english.jpnn.com, JAKARTA - Miftachul Akhyar has resigned from his position as the general chair of the Indonesian Ulema Council (MUI), according to MUI deputy chairperson Anwar Abbas.
Miftachul is also Rais 'Aam of the Executive Board of Nahdlatul Ulama (PBNU), which is the highest position in the establishment. The resignation is a follow-up to the request for him not to hold concurrent positions.
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Anwar said he was saddened by the resignation.
"I'm really sad and confused. I don't know what to say," said Anwar in a statement received by JPNN.com, Wednesday (8/3).
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Anwar revealed that Miftachul had been chosen to chair MUI without any debate at all.
"He is a prominent figure and scholar, as well as a very humble leader. He is very much needed and is expected to be able to unite the people," Anwar continued.
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Anwar admitted that he was surprised by Nahdlatul Ulama (NU)'s decision to ban Miftachul Akhyar from serving at MUI.
"I'm even more confused because as far as I know, NU has confirmed its identity that it serves not only NU members but also the people and the nation," he said.
"Why doesn't NU want to hear our voices?" he added.
Anwar argued that Miftachul had carried out his duties as MUI chairman very well and that he was admired by other administrators.
To that end, Anwar asked NU leaders and members to allow Miftachul to return to the MUI.
"If he can't work full time at MUI because he has to take care of NU, we hope that he will give us the rest of his time," he said. (mcr8/mcr20/jpnn)
This news has been broadcast on JPNN.com with the title: Kiai Miftachul Akhyar Mundur dari Ketum MUI, Anwar Abbas Kirim Surat, Isinya Mengharukan