Gus Dur hints support for Yusril in presidential election

The Jakarta Post ,  Jakarta   |  Sun, 09/07/2008 10:13 AM  |  National

Former president Abdurahman "Gus Dur" Wahid says he will support former minister Yusril Ihza Mahendra in the presidential election next year.

Gus Dur, a patron of the National Awakening Party (PKB), told a press conference on Saturday he must support other candidates, if later he could not run for president himself.

"I have to support other candidates, and the one who is closest to me is Yusril," he said after receiving Yusril at the Nahdlatul Ulama office, Antara news agency reported Sunday.

Yusril, who is chairman of the Crescent Star Party (PBB) advisory board, admitted he had discussed his intention to run for president with Gus Dur.

"We have known each other, been close friends and helped each other since 1999," he said.

Yusril, along with Gus Dur and Megawati Soekarnoputri all took part in the presidential election in 1999, but at the last moment he dropped out of the race and supported Gus Dur, who was then elected as the fourth president of Indonesia.

With support from Gus Dur, Yusril said, he was more optimistic about his chances in the election.

"God willing, we will move forward and never retreat," he said. (dre)

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Ummah (not verified) — Sun, 09/28/2008 - 10:54am

These comments are voice of vocal minorities.

Clearly there are no other candidates which have both leadership and managing skills as caliber as Yusril.

Corruption is the only issue that SBY uses to undermine Yusril.

I fully support Yusril intention to go for cadidacy. Not to mention that my comment will give balance view of this topic.

May Peace be Upon You

Indonesia M (not verified) — Sun, 09/14/2008 - 8:43pm

Gus Dur talks a lot, doesn't really mean much.

Hadi M. (not verified) — Wed, 09/10/2008 - 9:29am

Mr. Yusril, you are the best one, forward goes at elect 2009 we back you become president

Keith harding (not verified) — Tue, 09/09/2008 - 1:16pm

Gus Dur can vote for who he wants but to support Yusril makes me shocked and very sad. it appears that Yusril wants Sharia law and has proposed stupid laws such as no holding hands in public,kissing etc. Lets also not forget he was fired for what boils down to money laundering with Tommy's cash. however he will never be president so nobody has anything to worry about, i guess gus dur prefers to waste votes.

Brien (not verified) — Mon, 09/08/2008 - 3:14pm

I have always had the utmost respect for this brave, common sense individual (Gus Dur). But for him to choose Mahendra tells me that I must reevaluate my opinion. He is very islamist. The man is a danger to Indonesian society and liberal democracy. This is an obvious political, under the table deal. Again, ethics is thrown out the window. Shame on Gus Dur!

Ina (not verified) — Sun, 09/07/2008 - 6:46pm

I had used to pay a lot of respect and been a strong supporter of Gus Dur myself, but he has made so many injudicious policies during his presidency, and now again he supports Yusril E. Mahendra whom known by many as a person with lack of integrity as well as a very opportunist individual.

So, it turns out to me Gus Dur and Yusril share the same ill-character of individuals. Both of them have no integrity nor responsibility traits in their personality to run our country.

PT (not verified) — Sun, 09/07/2008 - 5:13pm

Gus Dur is right. Yusril will be a good president for this country. Go onward Pak Yusril. Many people behind you.

Sukardi zaki (not verified) — Sun, 09/07/2008 - 10:35am

I supported Gusdur forever to choice Yusril Ihza Mahendra for next indonesian president because gusdur is the best personal have indonesian country. Why Not ? Gusdur Go...!

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