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)