Students rally in support of MPR

Students rally in support of MPR

MAKASSAR, South Sulawesi: Some 100 Muslim activists rallied in front of the South Sulawesi provincial legislature on Wednesday in show of support for the constitutional amendments being discussed by the People's Consultative Assembly (MPR).

The activists, who came from eight provincial chapters of the Muhammadiyah Student Association, demanded the MPR endorse the amendments during its Annual Session, which begins on Thursday.

In a joint statement, the demonstrators accused those who resisted the amendments as being opposed to reform, and would therefore have to answer to the students.

They said the amendments should pave the way for a new constitution free from the vested interests of political groups.

The students also called on the government to refrain from repressive measures in dealing with student rallies during the Annual Session.

After reading the joint statement, the demonstrators dispersed peacefully, declining an offer to speak with the provincial legislature employee in charge of receiving the public. -- JP