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MUI eyeing to dig its claws deeper into the House
Indonesian Ulema Council (MUI) secretary-general Anwar Abbas has suggested the establishment of an MUI “faction” within the House of Representatives, which would work to strengthen Islamic values in the nation
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Indonesia Ulema Council (MUI) chairman Ma'ruf Amin (center) attends a hearing on Jan. 31, 2017 as part of Jakarta Governor Basuki's blasphemy trial. (Sindo/POOL/Isra Triansyah)
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ndonesian Ulema Council (MUI) secretary-general Anwar Abbas has suggested the establishment of an MUI “faction” within the House of Representatives, which would work to strengthen Islamic values in the nation.
During the 17th MUI consultative board plenary meeting in Jakarta on Wednesday, Anwar said the MUI faction would carry out its mission to provide justice and welfare for the Indonesian people.
However, the faction would serve to fight for the interests of all religious groups in the nation and not only for the sake of Islam, Anwar ensured.
"It's because Islamic teachings are not only intended for Muslims. [Islamic teachings] don’t just benefit Muslims, they benefit all of mankind. Thus, all citizens will have an advantage," Anwar said as quoted by kompas.com.
(Read also: MUI chief accused of bias for issuing recommendation on Ahok)
He added that as a religious group, the MUI would not be actively involved in politics as this suggested faction would consist of members of existing political parties at the House, Anwar said.
"We won't [be involved]; the faction would exist only to uphold Pancasila [state ideology] values and to ensure that the House will uphold the principles of humanity and the country's unity," Anwar said.
"There are some groups in the House that don't adhere to Pancasila values and the 1945 Constitution," he added. (afr)
