PRESIDENT OPENS MUHAMMADIYAH MEETING IN LAMPUNG

Bandar Lampung, March 5 (ANTARA) - President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono on the second day of his two-day working visit in Lampung province opened a meeting of the country's second largest Islamic organization, Muhammadiyah, here on Thursday.

In his address, the president who was accompanied by his wife, Mrs Ani Yudhoyono, praised Muhammadiyah's efforts to help improve the democratic system in Indonesia.
"Let's us build the principles of morality and ethics in our nation's life, including the ethics of our democratic and political life," the president said.
He said there were many hazards in the implementation of democracy in Indonesia, and one which had raised serious concern was certain parties' tendency to justify all means to achieve (their) political goals.
"Yet there are many good means one can use to achieve one's goals, including in politics. Let's prevent the use of bad means. Black campaigns and money politics should not be our choice," the head of state said.
On the occasion, Muhammadiyah Chairman Din Syamsuddin expressed hope that there would be a proportional and strategic partnership between Muhammadiyah and the government.
He said Muhammadiyah would always support a government which ran the administration well and correctly.
"Muhammadiyah will not be reluctant to carry out its 'amar ma'ruf nahi mungkar' (doing good deeds and preventing wrong ones) mission, to criticize and correct the mistakes of an untrustworthy government," he said.
The Muhammadiyah chairman also called on the organization's members to take active part in the country's political activities, including in the legislative, presidential and vice presidential elections.
"I appeal to Muhammadiyah members to exercise their electoral right properly in the coming elections as part of their rights and responsibilities as citizens who crave a better life," he said.
On the occasion, Muhammadiyah was organizing a second 'Tanwir' (regional leadership) meeting to prepare internal rules for the election of its executive board for the 2010-2015 period.