Top NU ulemas still support Abdurrahman

MALANG, East Java (JP): Top ulemas of the country's largest Muslim organization Nahdlatul Ulama (NU) are said to still support President Abdurrahman Wahid despite being critical of his leadership, NU chairman Hasyim Muzadi has said.

Hasyim, who replaced Abdurrahman as NU chairman earlier this year, was interviewed by The Jakarta Post on Sunday over rumors of weakening support from respected elder ulemas known as ulema khos.

"The rumor is a psych-war by certain politicians trying to weaken the power and leadership of the President," he said, adding that Muslim preachers were also critical of the President when necessary.

He said ulemas agreed that the government's performance still had weaknesses.

"But they disagreed with the President being forced to resign in the middle of his tenure," he said.

Hasyim's remarks came on Sunday as ulemas gathered at the Al- Hikam Islamic boarding school.

Among the ulemas who attended the meeting were Abdullah Faqih from Langitan in Tuban, Mutawwakil Allalah from Genggong in Probolinggo, Bashori Alwi from Singosari in Malang and Abdullah Hakim from Nganjuk.

According to Hasyim, the ulemas have advised Abdurrahman not to issue so many controversial statements, to avoid attacks from his political opponents. (nur/jun)