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Hasyim says Nahdliyin split has nothing to do with his support for Khofifah

NU Online  ·  Rabu, 13 Agustus 2008 | 02:08 WIB

Surabaya, NU Online
General Chairman of the Central Board of Nahdlatul Ulama (PBNU) KH Hasyim Muzadi said that the Nahdliyin (NU followers) split had nothing to do with his support to one of East Java's governor candidates Khofifah Indar Parawansa.

Hasyim made the remarks following the absence of some leaders of the East Java's NU Branch Boards at Al Hikam Islamic Boarding School, Malang, East Java over the weekend.<>

Instead those being not present at the Hasyim's "palace" held a meeting at the Kediri's Lirboyo Islamic boarding school led by a charismatic ulema KH Idris Marzuki in the same day.

KH Idris had so far declared his support to governor candidate Soekarwo and his his running mate Saifullah Yusuf who is also chairman of Youth Movement of Ansor, a youth wing of the Indonesia's largest Muslim organization.

Hasyim recently said most of NU Branch Boards in the province had no such objection to take part at the meeting, adding that it's reasonable enough if there were some disagreeing with the "agenda" of the Al Hikam's forum.

He explained the difference within the branch boards was not a dispute for it is related to what called as freedom of expression. In addition, he added, the PBNU was committed to give such freedom to Nahdliyin related to their beloved choice.

While the Al Hikam meeting, Hasyim said, was aimed at giving direction dealing with the need of Nahdliyin to vote for NU's governor candidate. "I just suggest to vote for Khofifah," Hasyim said. (rif)