Prospective eye donors line up for Abdurrahman

Prospective eye donors line up for Abdurrahman

SEMARANG (JP): Nahdlatul Ulama (NU) executive Imam Syafii
called on Thursday for President Abdurrahman Wahid to accept an
offer from prospective eye donors.

Imam was responding to the unusual offer from a group of
National Awakening Party (PKB) supporters in Yogyakarta. The
group said on Wednesday they were prepared to donate their eyes
to the country's new President, who is the PKB's founder and
chairman of the 35 million-strong NU.

"I praise and thank the prospective donors who want President
Abdurrahman to be able to carry out his daily duties
effectively," NU treasurer Imam said here.

But Imam said it was up to Abdurrahman to decide whether he
wanted to accept the offer.

"If there are no obstacles in respect to medical or religious
matters, I think the President is willing to take up the offer,"
Imam said.

"Lets hope that the President will accept (this idea)," he
added.

Abdurrahman, better known as Gus Dur, has been suffering from
eyesight problems for years. He recently told his aides that
objects appeared "blurry" to him.

He traveled in May to Salt Lake City, Utah, where he underwent
cosmetic surgery on his eyelids. Since then, the President has
had ongoing medical treatment. Several months before his U.S.
visit, he traveled to European countries for the same therapy.

Long before the presidential election was held earlier this
month, Abdurrahman repeatedly said he would only run for the
presidency if his eyesight was restored. PKB leaders also said at
the time that they would support Abdurrahman's bid if he regained
his sight.

Abdurrahman was hospitalized last year after a stroke attack.

Nominated by a group of Muslim parties called the "axis
force", Abdurrahman defeated his close friend Megawati
Soekarnoputri in the presidential election held on Oct. 20. The
following day, Megawati was elected to the vice presidential
post. (har/edt)