Three PAN executives deny reports of their resignation
Three PAN executives deny reports of their resignation
JAKARTA (JP): Three executives of the National Mandate Party
(PAN) denied on Friday reports that they were following the
footsteps of economist Faisal Basri and resigning from the party.
"The reports are baseless. We are still with the party," said
Abdillah Toha, on behalf of colleagues Th. Sumartana and Miranty
Abidin, as quoted by Antara.
"In order to avoid a negative impact to the party's day-to day
activities, we have to clarify that rumor. We are staying with
the party," Abdillah asserted.
Earlier in the week, dozens of senior PAN members claimed that
they would soon submit their resignation to the party's executive
board as an expression of their disappointment at the party's
policies and deviation of its principles.
When asked about Faisal's resignation, Abdillah said that he
understood Faisal's decision and the party would consider his
resignation.
"To date, Faisal has yet to send a formal letter," Abdillah
said while insisting that Faisal's resignation would not weaken
the party.
"It is true that there are differences of views (in the
party). But because no one in the party is allowed to publish all
of these differences, the party leader must be able to manage
them well," Abdillah said.
Separately, PAN's deputy secretary-general Bara Hasibuan
maintained that several PAN leaders had used the party for their
own interests.
"I regretfully have to mention the names, Pak Amien and Pak
Fatwa, who have conducted many maneuvers that were never part of
the party's policies," Bara said referring to party chief Amien
Rais and deputy chairman A.M. Fatwa.
Bara is also said to be one of those planning to tender his
resignation.
A foreseeable split shadowed the party during its first
congress last year, triggered by the suggestion that the party
move from an open one to a Muslim-based one.
The idea drew congress participants into a heated debate, with
party executives, including Faisal, Abdillah and Bara, openly
rejecting the proposal.
Speaking prior to a discussion on Aceh and Irian Jaya on
Wednesday, Goenawan said Faisal's resignation reflected PAN's
current dispute over whether it wishes to be an exclusive or
inclusive party.
"PAN will strive to choose between becoming a Muslim-based
party to gain more votes, or remaining an inclusive party with
the consequence of having less votes," Goenawan said.
As one of PAN founders, Goenawan said he would not resign,
although he could understand the decision of Faisal and other
party members as it was part of the democratic process.
Goenawan said Faisal "is too straight and too honest a man,
and can no longer tolerate what's going on in PAN".
"But then again, the art of negotiation is part of democracy.
So if you want to be able to negotiate with other parties, you
should first learn about negotiating with others inside the
party."
In the South Sulawesi capital of Makassar, PAN deputy chairman
A.M. Fatwa asserted that the party "is concerned about the mass
resignation plan, but we will not regret those who choose to
quit".
"Everybody is free to come and go," he said.(02/27/edt/dja)