President Calls on Moslem to Develop Ethical Democracy

Jakarta (Antara) - President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono has called on Moslems in the country to develop ethical democracy as their contribution to the progress of national politics especially in in the current political year 2014. "In the current political year 2014 I appealed to you all in the country to participate in the general elections to build orderly and ethical democracy," he said in his speech in a function at the state palace to mark Prophet Mohammad's birthday commemoration here on Tuesday evening. He called on the people to take as an example the Prophet's leadership in creating harmony and also tolerance among community groups in Medina. "What he did in Medina should inspire us, who, though plural, could live in harmony with civility and with ethics," he said. "As a big nation in the world we must be able to build a country which is peaceful and protecting. I appeal to all Moslems in the country to inculcate Islamic teachings which are full of peace, and stay away from misleading and deviant teachings," he said. The rector of state Syarif Hidayatullah Islamic University Komaruddin Hidayat on the occasion called on all Moslems in the country to follow the Prophet's example of leadership including in creating justice. "Faith and knowledge are not enough if justice is not done. Do not uphold justice just because you like or do not like certain group," he said. He underlined that Pancasila (state ideology) should serve like the Medina charter to encourage people to live in harmony and with tolerance. The event was attended by ambassadors from friendly countries as well as cabinet ministers. (*) reporting by panca hari prabowo