Minister Of Religion Urges The Public Not To Choose Leaders Who Use Religion As A Political Tool

Minister of Religion (Menag) Yaqut Cholil Qoumas. BETWEEN

JAKARTA - The Minister of Religion (Menag) of the Republic of Indonesia Yaqut Cholil Qoumas appealed to the public not to choose a leader who divides the people and uses religion as a political tool. "It must be properly checked. We have never been a candidate for our leader, this presidential candidate, divides the people. If ever, don't be elected," said Minister of Religion Yaqut in a written statement in Jakarta, Sunday, September 3. Minister of Religion Yaqut also asked the public not to choose a candidate for leader who uses religion as a political tool to gain power. "Religion should be able to protect the interests of all people, society. Muslims are taught to spread Islam as a blessing, rahmatian lil 'alamin, a blessing for the universe of nature. Not rahmatan lil Islami, tok," said the Minister of Religion as quoted by Antara.

Therefore, the ideal leader, according to him, must be able to be a blessing for all groups. "We see that our candidate for leader has used religion as a tool to win his interests or not. If so, don't be elected," he said. The Minister of Religion conveyed the importance of tracing track records when determining the candidate for national leader.

This, he said, aims to ensure that the Indonesian people get a leader who is trustworthy and can carry out the responsibility of this country's progress. "I advise all of these khwan and akhwat so that later when choosing leaders, choosing candidates for our leaders, presidential candidates, and vice president, we will see very well the track record," said the Minister of Religion.