Secretary General Of PBNU Says Don't Choose Candidates Supported By Abu Bakar Ba'asyir, AMIN National Team: People Have Conscience

National Team Captain Anies-Muhaimin (AMIN National Team) Muhammad Syaugi Alaydrus/PHOTO: Diah Ayu-VOI

JAKARTA - The captain of the National Team for Winning Anies-Muhaimin (AMIN National Team) Muhammad Syaugi Alaydrus responded to the statement by the Secretary General of the Nahdlatul Ulama Executive Board (PBNU) Saifullah Yusuf or Gus Ipul regarding the choice in the 2024 presidential election.

In his statement, Gus Ipul asked the NU people not to choose the presidential and vice presidential candidates supported by Abu Bakar Ba'asyir and Amien Rais. Although he did not mention names, it was known that the candidate in question Gus Ipul was Anies Baswedan-Muhaimin Iskandar.

Syaugi did not want to worry about Gus Ipul's statement. According to him, the public has the right to choose whoever the presidential and vice presidential candidates are in the 2024 presidential election.

"I think it's up to the community. People have a conscience, where they see what's best for them. That's what I think should be chosen," said Syaugi at the AMIN Winning Headquarters, Central Jakarta, Wednesday, January 17.

Syaugi believes that the vision and mission, program, and narrative of changes expressed by Anies and Muhaimin during the current campaign period will allow the public to assess the appropriateness of the presidential and vice-presidential candidates number 1 to become future leaders.

"I think we have given many taglines, we have changed, the ideas of Mr. Anies, Mr. Muhamin, track record. That's all that is considered. So, we are not affected, that's what it is," he explained.

Previously, Gus Ipul asked all NU residents to exercise their voting rights on February 14 by choosing candidates in accordance with the NU's rules.

NU residents, continued Gus Ipul, are expected to know exactly which candidates are in line with Indonesia's interests and the interests of NU.

"Let us not support couples who are supported by people who are at odds with the way NU people think. Like the candidate who is supported by Abubakar Baasyir, for example, especially since there is Amien Raisnya too," said Gus Ipul in Pasuruan, East Java.

Gus Ipul asked NU residents to choose candidate pairs who have a way of thinking according to NU rules. The group that has been opposite NU, according to him, should be avoided.

"We must be aware of other groups that are against NU, let alone just lured by the position of vice president. Don't want to choose this group," he said.