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Ahok receives Quran from detractor
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Reconciliatory: Incumbent Jakarta gubernatorial candidate Basuki "Ahok" Tjahaja Purnama receives a Quran from a resident of Pesanggrahan, South Jakarta, during his visit on Jan. 26.
(Courtesy of Ahok's campaign team/File)
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ncumbent Jakarta gubernatorial candidate Basuki “Ahok” Tjahaja Purnama, a Christian of Chinese descent, received a Quran from a resident during a campaign visit to Pesanggrahan, South Jakarta, on Thursday.
The resident who introduced himself only as Fikri said he gave the Islamic holy book to Ahok to show that the governor was welcome to campaign in his neighbourhood, however, he would not be supporting Ahok’s bid for a second term because he was sure the governor committed blasphemy against Islam.
“What has become a problem for me is that Ahok has committed blasphemy. It’s understandable that many people from areas across the city have rejected his campaign visits. But, let Ahok convey his aspirations [for Jakarta] in this area without rejection, so that the people can know who’s wrong and who’s right,” Fikri said.
(Read also: Ahok 'insists' evictions must go ahead despite residents’ objections)
Ahok became a defendant in a blasphemy case after he cited a Quranic verse in a speech during a work visit to Thousand Islands regency on Sept. 27. His statement created public uproar and led to massive demonstrations in Jakarta demanding his prosecution.
Fikri said he was among the protesters in the rally. Although, he admitted Ahok had performed admirably as governor.
“If Ahok wins the election, as a good citizen, I will accept it wholeheartedly,” Fikri said. (ebf)
