Muhaimin Says Gus Yahya And Gus Dur Have In Common

JAKARTA - Chairman of the National Awakening Party (PKB) Muhaimin Iskandar said KH Yahya Cholil Staquf or Gus Yahya had similarities with KH Abdurrahman Wahid or Gus Dur.

"Gus Dur and Gus Yahya both have high self-confidence and courage," said Muhaimin during the book review Reviving Gus Dur (KH Yahya Cholil Staquf's Memories Note) in Jakarta, quoted by Antara, Sunday, December 19.

Muhaimin explained that Gus Yahya was one of Gus Dur's many students who could understand and explore Gus Dur's thoughts.

Muhaimin gave an example, when Gus Dur issued a presidential decree, only Gus Yahya had the courage to read the decree.

"When he was nominating as general chairman of PBNU, Gus Yahya said he was almost certain to win," said Muhaimim jokingly.

Meanwhile, Gus Dur's daughter, Yenni Wahid, said that Gus Yahya accompanied Gus Dur in a very important period in Gus Dur's life which was full of historical momentum.

"I think it's a tremendous privilege. I thank Gus Yahya, with his busy schedule he takes the time to tell Gus Dur's life," said Yenni.

In this regard, Katib Aam, the Executive Board of Nahdlatul Ulama (PBNU) KH Yahya Cholil Staquf or Gus Yahya stated that he did not deserve to be called a young Gus Dur, which is the view of a number of parties at this time.

"I think, I'm very far from it. I only learn from him to the limit of my ability," he said.

According to Gus Yahya, he did not deserve to be called a young Gus Dur, because he was far from the quality of a Gus Dur when he was young.

Gus Yahya said, Gus Dur's ideals, visions and aspirations are still relevant today. Sociologically, he sees it will still be relevant for decades to come.

Gus Yahya explained that the book tells the story of his initial acquaintance with Gus Dur until he was appointed as Gus Dur's spokesman when he became the 4th President of the Republic of Indonesia. Yahya often accompanied Gus Dur to meet state figures and even world leaders.

"Gus Dur has an extraordinary sense of humor, which he has honed since childhood, so he can use it spontaneously in any situation and when he meets anyone," said Gus Yahya.

The author of the book AS Laksana said he was happy when he was given the opportunity to write the book. In addition, AS Laksana also admitted that he idolized the figure of Gus Dur.

"I really want to write, I haven't seen Gus Yahya for a long time. When I decided to write a memoir about Gus Dur, Gus Yahya gave it the title "Reviving Gus Dur". I found this interesting," explained AS Laksana.