PAN opens congress amid platform dispute

PAN opens congress amid platform dispute

YOGYAKARTA (JP): A foreseeable split, or at least vehement
debate, over a crucial change to the party platform cast a shadow
on the National Mandate Party (PAN) which begins its four-day
congress on Thursday.

Founded in 1998 by figures with a nationalist vision, and
quickly winning the hearts of people who were dreaming of a
progressive party, PAN benefited from a successful game of
possibilities in the General Session of the People's Consultative
Assembly (MPR) last October despite its poor performance in the
polls four months earlier.

Thanks to its relationship with some Muslim-based parties
which form the so-called axis force, PAN holds the MPR
chairmanship. It also earned three ministerial posts in the
cabinet of President Abdurrahman Wahid. PAN's achievements belie
their mere seven percent showing in the June polls and their 34
seats in the House of Representatives.

It was A.M. Fatwa, one of the party's deputy chairmen, who
proposed that the party adopt the Islamic terms iman dan takwa
(faith and devotion) in addition to its existing platform of
Pancasila, which is also the state ideology.

The issue looks to draw the congress attendants into a heated
debate as many party executives have openly disagreed with the
plan.

Incumbent chairman Amien Rais was the last to ease the row on
Wednesday by asserting that the party would not shift into
sectarianism.

"Pluralism will remain the party's doctrine," Amien told
reporters here during a seminar which preceded the congress.

"It is clear that an exclusive Islamic party failed to win the
Muslim's heart," he said, reiterating that PAN's platform would
remain intact.

Amien, former chairman of Muhammadiyah, a modernist-oriented
Muslim organization, was in hot water recently after he joined a
mass gathering to call for a jihad in the wake of sectarian
conflicts in Maluku.

PAN's secretary-general, Faisal Basri, has strongly opposed
the plan, saying the move was intended to convert PAN into an
Islamic party.

Deputy secretary-general Santoso shared his opinion, saying
that the adoption of iman dan takwa would practically close the
party's door to non-Muslims.

"What is the difference? Buddhists use dharma, which is
synonymous to iman dan takwa, and Christians may use iman Kristus
(faith in Christ)," Santoso said. He indicated he would quit the
party if the platform is changed.

Amien said that the disagreement over the modification to the
party's platform was still debatable.

Chairmanship

Amien, who has won large support for his reelection as PAN
chairman, said he was ready to devote his next five years to the
party. The reelection would be meaningful to him, he said.

"But if the congress elects someone else, I won't be
disappointed. I will focus on my job as the MPR speaker."

Until now, no other contender except Faisal could stand
between Amien and a second term. Many believe Faisal's entry in
the race is a formality of democracy.

The organizing committee chairman, Hatta Rajasa, who is also
the vice speaker of the House of Representatives (DPR), admitted
Amien was a favorite to keep his post.

The secretary-general post is also crucial. Some notable
names, apart from incumbent Faisal, have been dubbed contenders
for the position including Abdilah Thoha, Hatta, Fuad Bawazier,
Amin Azis and Bara Hasibuan. (44)