Woman or unbeliever for president?

Woman or unbeliever for president?

From Media Indonesia

Recent newspaper and TV reports have made me feel uncomfortable as a housewife and a Muslim to know that some clerics are still so narrow-minded that they view the gender issue in such a simplistic way.

All Muslims (and probably non-Muslims) would probably prefer to have male leaders, but when they face a choice between a woman and an unbeliever, they would surely not pick the latter.

To my knowledge, an unbeliever is not only an infidel or non- Muslim, but in its broader sense also means a person who succumbs to greed and abuses. In history, many world leaders have abused their power and violated human rights.

In the context of the coming presidential election, it is deplorable that some religious figures are apparently attempting to sway public opinion in the direction of the improper restriction of women's roles. Let us hope that the voters will be guided by their consciences in making their choices.

RD. TUSSY T. ATMADIBRATA Jakarta