NU reluctant to request Hasyim's resignation

Suherdjoko, Rembang, Central Java

Nahdlatul Ulama (NU) patrons have gathered here to discuss the nomination of its leader, Hasyim Muzadi, as running mate to President Megawati Soekarnoputri and its consequences for the country's largest Muslim organization.

The closed meeting was still underway at Puri Indah Hotel at the time of printing, under heavy security provided by civilian security guards who forced journalists to wait in the hotel lobby.

It remains unclear who attended the meeting aside from NU patron Mustofa Bisri and Muchid Muzadi, Hasyim's brother.

The meeting followed a reception hosted by Mustofa to celebrate his daughter's wedding.

NU head of human resources development Ulil Abshar Abdalla, one of Mustofa's sons-in-law, said the patrons would at least ask Hasyim to be nonactive for the duration of the presidential campaign.

"To ask him to resign is of course impossible, therefore a request for his suspension will be the most likely," Ulil told reporters.

It remains unclear, however, whether NU deputy chairman Solahuddin Wahid, who is the running mate for Golkar Party presidential candidate Wiranto, will be subject to a similar policy.

Demands have been made by NU-linked organizations that Hasyim relinquish the top post, as his entry into the presidential race violates the founding principle of NU as an apolitical organization.

Hasyim has said he would be nonactive during the campaign period between June 1 and June 30.

Ulil said the patrons' clear stance would keep Hasyim from abusing his power and prevent a conflict of interest.

A firm position, he added, would make up for the weak NU statute, which does not specify conditions regarding NU leaders who contest the presidential election.

The NU statute only bans its executives from direct involvement with political parties.

Muchid said the gathering also discussed preparations for the annual congress in September in Surakarta, Central Java.

He declined to comment on a possible decision on the issue, but asserted Hasyim's nomination would not affect NU's neutrality in politics.