REPUBLIKA.CO.ID, JAKARTA -- Muhammadiyah hopes that general elections 2019 will run smoothly, safely and peacefully. Central Board of Muhammadiyah General Chairman, Haedar Nashir asserted that his organizations will always be active in national politics. However, Muhammadiyah would not get involved in the realm of practical politics.
"In national politics, of course we are responsible for upholding the moral of the life of the nation and state, where we conduct friendship, discuss, convey views and so forth," Haedar Nashir said to Republika.co.id at Muhammadiyah headquarters, in Jakarta, on Wednesday (Feb 13).
He said that practical political activities are the realm of political parties, not Islamic organizations. Therefore, he considered religious organizations should not directly involved in practical politics.
Nevertheless, Haedar said cadres of islamic organizations may turn into practical politics as they do have the rights. He admitted that some of Muhammadiyah cadres are active in politics.
On the other hand, there were certain rules in the Muhammadiyah environment for all of their cadres. One of the rules was the obligation to resign from their position in Muhammadiyah or to be non-active in the structure.
"Muhammadiyah is neutral in the sense that it has no relationship with any candidate and political party," he said.
To the cadres who was active into the politics, Haedar advised them to keep the dignity of Muhammadiyah. Practical politics meant bringing a mission to the interests of Muhammadiyah, the nation, and Indonesia.
They must be able to respect each other, he said. Muhammadiyah urged citizens and Muhammadiyah citizens to become active voters who were responsible. The cadres were asked to remain politically polite.
"It shows that Muhammadiyah belongs to all parties, groups and components of the nation," he said.
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