NU warns NGOs against defamation

PONTIANAK, West Kalimantan: Chairman of Nahdlatul Ulama (NU) Hasyim Muzadi said although the country's largest Muslim organization supported the anticorruption movement, he warned supporters of the campaign against libel.

"I stand behind the movement, but I hope they do not blow issues out of proportion or make accusations," Hasyim said on the sidelines of his visit here on Friday

Hasyim was referring to the nationwide campaign against crooked politicians who are defined as legislative candidates who have been involved in corruption, human rights abuse, sexual abuse or environmental destruction, initiated by the Indonesian Corruption Watch.

The Muslim cleric suggested that non-governmental organizations and student groups refrain from publishing the names of politicians without solid evidence.

"Without evidence, the movement will be making libelous statements. It will result in conflict, which will only make the campaign counterproductive," Hasyim said.

He said the movement could outline the criteria of legislative candidates who did not deserve support in the general election.

NU and the country's second biggest Muslim group Muhammadiyah have declared a national movement against corruption, which they said would start from within themselves. -- Antara