NU warns NGOs against defamation

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