Top NU ulemas still support Abdurrahman

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)