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)