Media Statement by Liew Chin Tong in Penang on Thursday, 31^st December 2009:

Gus Dur’s life-long campaigns for pluralism, inclusiveness and democracy will be remembered

The DAP expresses its condolences to the family of former president Abdurrahman Wahid and to the people of Indonesia who have lost a formidable leader and patriot.

During Gus Dur's relatively short tenure as president from October 1999 until July 2001, his commitment to justice and civilian supremacy saw him sack numerous of his own ministers, including the very powerful General Wiranto. One of his goals as President was to reform the military and remove it from its dominant socio-political role, which has plagued Indonesia for a long period.

Gus Dur was known for his continual criticism of Suharto’s iron-fist rule, and faced intimidation, slander, and attempts to depose him of his leadership of Nahdlatul Ulama, Indonesia’s largest Muslim organisation. His remarks were often controversial, but his policies were liberal and progressive.

Among his writings, he wrote an article in the Wall Street Journal that called on “people of good will of every faith and nation” to unite to defeat the ideology of religious hatred that underlies and animates terrorism. Gus Dur endeavoured that NU display a brand of Islam that was open, fair and tolerant, and constantly pushed for inter-faith dialogues.

It was during his tenure that Indonesia begun to unwind its controversial treatment of minorities especially the ethnic Chinese and brought an element of inclusiveness to its nationhood.

History remembers him for his tireless campaigns for pluralism, inclusiveness and democracy.

* Liew Chin Tong, DAP International Secretary & MP for Bukit Bendera