REPUBLIKA.CO.ID, JAKARTA -- Chairperson of the Crescent Star Party (PBB) Yusril Ihza Mahendra explained to the Islamic Da'wah Council of Indonesia (DDII) the reason for being the lawyer for number one candidate pair, Joko Widodo (Jokowi)-KH Ma'ruf Amin, in the 2019 Presidential Election on Monday (Nov 12). He said that his steps to become Jokowi-Ma'ruf's lawyer were his personal professional decision, which did not involve party institutions.
However, he acknowledged that his steps, directly or indirectly, had an impact on party interests.
"What was decided was a strategic step to keep the election running in accordance with the applicable legal corridor, while strengthening the political side of the party to be able to break the 4 percent threshold," Yusril said in his written statement in Jakarta on Tuesday.
Yusril asserted that he was responsible for saving PBB, which had fallen in the past 10 years. The rescue indicator is the formation of the PBB faction in the Indonesian Parliament, which has been empty because the PBB failed to penetrate the parliamentary threshold.
He reiterated the results of his discussion with the Chairman of the Jokowi-Ma'ruf National Campaign Team (TKN), Erick Thohir, that he was not part of Success Team.
"I am a lawyer from a professional from outside to be asked for advice and opinions and do legal advocacy, if deemed necessary," Yusril, who had become a DDII activist led by Mohammad Natsir, remarked.
Kwik Kian Gie was asked to become an Economic Advisor for presidential candidate pair number two, Prabowo Subianto-Sandiaga Uno, but Gie was not at all part of the timelines of the two candidates, Yusril explained. He admitted that in the first days of his decision, it would be controversial. However, within a short period of time, through intensive explanation, the decision will be understood.
He gave an example of the incident when he came to Bandung to explain his attitude in front of around 1000 members of the party's district and sub-district executive boards and legislative candidates in West Java. Those who opposed at first could finally accept after an explanation and dialogue with an open heart, he elaborated.
He acknowledged that differences of opinion would always exist for every party, including in Masyumi first.
"There is certainly no ideological difference. What is there is a difference in strategic political steps in the field," he revealed.
What is important is that all parties can hold back because politics needs maturity and patience, added the former minister of state.
The meeting, held at the Da'wah Council Building on Jalan Kramat Raya 45 Jakarta, was led by Prof. Dr. Ir AM Saefuddin and was attended by DDI figures, including KH Cholil Ridwan, KH Muhammad Siddiq, KH Dr. Muhammad Alwi, a number of scholars and students, daughters of two chairpersons of Masyumi in the past, Aisyah M Natsir and Ms. Syamsiar, and the daughter of the chairperson of the last Masjumi, Prawoto Mangkusasmito.
The Da'wah Council, as explained by AM Saefuddin, has decided to support Prabowo- Sandiaga in the upcoming presidential election. DDII also respected the attitude of the PBB, which would only decide its support in the Presidential Election in December 2018. DDII had also decided to invite the Masyumi and Muslim families to support PBB in the 2019 legislative election.
Aisyah Natsir, who often criticized Mahendra's steps, admitted that she could understand his decision.
Meanwhile, former chairperson of DDII, Dr. A Wahid Alwi, argued that Yusril could be a lawyer for Jokowi- Ma'ruf, while also being a lawyer for Grand Imam of the Islamic Defenders Front Habib Rizieq Shihab (HRS). Thus, maybe his legal problems could be resolved by HRS in an elegant manner.
Meanwhile, KH Cholil Ridwan suggested that Mahendra should resign from his position as a lawyer for Jokowi-Ma'ruf pair.
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