Yusril 'wins' presidential hopeful's debate

Yusril 'wins' presidential hopeful's debate

JAKARTA (JP): Yusril Ihza Mahendra of the Crescent Star Party
(PBB) earned loud applause from the audience at a presidential
candidate debate, after he refused to take advantage of the empty
dais when the other candidates failed to show up.

After being made to wait for over an hour for the other
candidates, Yusril turned down an offer from the organizers --
the Muslim Students Association (HMI) -- to take the stand.

He said he was invited to a debate and if he spoke his own
piece "it would not constitute a debate".

Organizers praised Yusril for his gracious behavior, despite
being stood up by Amien Rais of the National Mandate Party (PAN).
Amien had confirmed his attendance at the event but changed his
mind at the last minute.

The other candidates invited were Abdurrahman Wahid of the
National Awakening Party (PKB), B.J. Habibie of Golkar, Megawati
Soekarnoputri of the Indonesian Democratic Party of Struggle (PDI
Perjuangan) and Hamzah Haz of the United Development Party (PPP).

Organizers closed the gathering at the Regent Hotel by noting
the candidates' willingness to participate in a debate after the
June 7 general election.

"They have stated their commitment," organizer Kholiq Muhammad
said.

Four private radio stations were set to air the event live.

Speaking briefly to the audience, Yusril pointed out that he
has yet to be officially named as his party's presidential
candidate, and that he attended the debate to learn more about
democratization.

He pointed out that at 43, he was the youngest candidate and
that if he was not elected president this year, there was still
plenty of time.

The first presidential candidate debate was held earlier this
month by Forum Salemba of the University of Indonesia. Megawati
refused to attend, saying the practice was not in accordance with
eastern culture.

HMI chairman Anas Urbaningrum said Amien had confirmed his
attendance, but changed his mind because he was not feeling well.
Anas, who tried to find Amien at the headquarters of the
Muhammadiyah Islamic organization -- which Amien once chaired,
said: "I could see (Amien) was not as fit as usual."

Later in the afternoon, Amien met with foreign journalists and
clarified the reason why he did not attend the debate. "It would
be useless for me to come if only Yusril was there," he said.

Amien said if only two candidates were present "it would have
been the same as playing ping-pong... There'd have been no
attraction in that".

He said the committee should make better preparations in the
future so that all candidates would be able to attend. "I have
suggested that the debate be held after the elections," he said.
(swe/edt)