REPUBLIKA.CO.ID, JAKARTA -- Vice presidential candidate KH Ma'ruf Amin advised his contender Sandiaga Uno to not feel reluctant to oppose his opinion during the third round of presidential election debate next March. However, Ma'ruf reminded the importance of politeness.

"We respect each other and follow the rules sets by General Election Commission (KPU)," he stated in Jakarta on Tuesday (Feb 19).

Ma'ruf responded to Sandiaga's statement, which stated that he did not want to attack the ulama during vice presidential debate. Ma'ruf, who also served as Mustasyar of the Board of Nahdlatul Ulama (PBNU), said conditions are different in and outside the debate.

Although Ma'ruf appreciated the respect given by Sandiaga, he said that arguing with ulama does not mean disrespect. "We respect each other in a polite manner, but we must follow the KPU's rules," Ma'ruf added.

Ma'ruf emphasized that crossing opinions was not similar to disrespect. He and Sandiaga would conclude concepts and views and all were accommodated by panelist 's questions expressed by the moderator.

Golkar Party politician Firman Soebagyo lauded Ma'ruf's as a very democratic person who does not prioritize his image as an ulama. He said Ma'ruf opened himself to get criticism and responses from the opponent's camp.

"(Sandi) does not need to be reluctant because of Ma'ruf as an ulama as he attend the debate as vice presidential candidate," Firman said.

Firman said that the important thing to do was, in the debate later, the two candidates could be held accountable of their arguments and data, as well as could provide solutions to Indonesia's problems.

"It should be balanced. If Sandi feel reluctant to Kiai Ma'ruf, the debate will be not interesting," he said.

Ikuti Whatsapp Channel Republika