PBNU Asks Politicians not to Display Hunger for Political Victory

Jakarta (Antara) - The executive board of Nahdatul Ulama, (PBNU) the country's largest non political Islamic organization warned the country's political elites not to display their hunger for political victory, which could go against the national interest. "Self respect is a quality to be defended but should not overdo it," general chairman of PBNU Said Aqil Siroj said here on Friday. Political elites should give emphasis on national interest above all other interests with self restrain, Said Aqil said. PBNU expressed its concern over the impact of political rivalry lately and hope that the political feud could be ended immediately. The people are the one to suffer if failed in self restraint among the political elites, Said Aqil said. He said the sharp fall of the share prices and shrinking value of rupiah should be a warning enough for the political elite that their behaviors are unhealthy for the economy. He said PBNU is ready to find a compromise between the two political groups to break the political deadlock after the presidential and parliamentary leader elections. "So far there has been no request , but we are ready to bridge the differences," he said. (*)