PRESIDENT CALLS ON MUSLIMS TO PRESERVE BROTHERLY RELATIONS

Jakarta, March 27 (ANTARA) - President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono called on Muslims in the country not to cut their brotherly relations with one another just because of differences related to the upcoming general elections.

He made the call here Thursday before thousands of Muslims of the Al Habib Ali Al Habsyi group at the commemoration of the anniversary of the birth of the Prophet Mohammad.

"Although we may differ about our choices in the elections, we must preserve our brotherly relations with each other," he said.
He said maintaining cordial relationships was also in line with Islamic values. "The Islam we uphold prohibits us to break cordial relationships. Never, just because of the elections, break our relationships," he said.
The head of state also appealed to the people to exercise their voting right as best as possible. "Use your voting right. Follow your conscience. Exercise the right in the best possible way," he said.
He also called on all parties to assure secure, smooth, orderly, free, honest and fair implementation of the elections.
He said all Muslims must take the example that had been set by Prophet Mohammad in their daily life.

He said there were three things from Prophet Mohammad that had to be followed namely his character, personality and behaviour, his efforts in leading his people for a big change and his perseverance in dealing with various challengers and tests to build Islamic civilization.

In facing the current financial, food, energy and various other crisis, he said, Muslims in particular and the Indonesian people in general must not give in easily because with unity any problem that arose would always be solved.

President Yudhoyono said that he had had relationship with Abdurrahman Al Habsyi, the leader of the group, since 1998.
Al Habsyi meanwhile said in his short address to the people said that he supported President Yudhoyono's leadership.