Gus Dur: not criticizing president doesn`t mean lack of attention

Bandar Lampung, NU Online
Former President KH Abdurrahman Wahid alias Gus Dur said in a dialog with ulemas here Sunday that his stance of not criticizing President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono did not mean that he did not care.

Gus Dur said that it also did not mean he did not support Yudhoyono`s leadership but simply did not feel like `wrangling`, because if this happens Indonesia would be in a disarray.<>

"So, I must be prudent," said Gus Dur who is also Chairman of the National Awakening Party (PKB)`s Advisory Council.

On the occasion, Gus Dur also reminded that PKB continued its fight for the truth as this was the only way to reach justice and prosperity for the people.

"In order to be able to speak about the truth, we must begin by being truthful to ourselves," Gus Dur Said.

As reported by the state news agency, while offering an apolgy (to the government), Gus Dur said the people now tended to lack confidence in the government, placing the country in confidence and mandate crisis.

The former president also dwelled on the national leadership since the 1940s before Indonesia`s independence, when the country was led by people from the aristocratic class, military, professonals to political leaders.

"However, it was wrong when the country was led by a professional who only wanted economic growth but did not care of equal distribution in favour of the people," he said.

In the meantime, the current leadership from a political party was also not better than before, and even tended to be corrupt. (dar)