NU Khittah will be discussed at January's NU Congress

Makassar, NU Online
The details about the 1926 NU Khittah will be discussed at the much-awaited NU Congress which will be held in Makassar in January next year. One of crucial issues proposed to importantly be discussed is related to principles dealing with the freedom of NU followers (Nahdliyin) in practical politics.

"NU followers have the freedom to determine their political choice and stand. But the freedom should have responsibility and be supported by adequate knowledge," general chairman of the Central Board of Nahdlatul Ulama (PBNU) KH Hasyim Muzadi as addressing the Annual Meeting of Muslimat NU at the Sudiang's Hajj Dormitory, Makassar, South Sulawesi on Saturday.<>

Hasyim explained that free and responsible political stand meant NU followers should fully understood any possible risk as a result of their acts in determining their political choice.

"Free does not mean free (for instance) to choose a certain party in which it is even capable of destroying NU itself. That means never do mistakes in choosing a political party," he said.

Given the major importance of this point, NU followers should have adequate knowledge in politics to prevent them from doing mistakes as giving their vote for certain parties. At this point, Hasyim said, all NU board members in all levels must give such feedback and insights to their followers.

"The formulation will be discussed at the (NU) congress," Hasyim said, adding that the congress would also take up another issues like the relationship between NU and its 'initiated political party'  namely the National Awakening Party (PKB).

As for Hasyim, the relationship between the two different organizations had recently continued to be problematic. Whereas the party was deliberatly founded by senior NU  ulema (clerics) to support the struggle of NU in the field of practical politics, he said.

"PKB was prepared as a (political) party being able to bridge NU thoughts and struggles either in its vision and mission or in its strategic and tactical measures. Unfortunately, PKB has failed in its process," the vice presidential candidate in the 2004 presidential election said.

In addition, Hasyim added, PKB could not a significant number of votes in the 2009 legislative elections so that the party had no trong representatives in parliament.

Even the Ulema National Awakening Party (PKNU), the split off from PKB could no longer be expected because PKNU could not pass the parliamentary threshold. (rif)