GUS DUR SHOULD BE NAMED "HERO OF DEMOCRACY" : NTT GOVERNOR

Kupang, Dec 31 (ANTARA) - East Nusa Tenggara (NTT) Governor Frans Lebu Raya said former President Abdurrahman Wahid (Gus Dur) who died on Wednesday deserved the title of "hero of democracy.".

"I propose naming Gus Dur as hero of democracy because during his life-time he fought tirelessly to promote and develop democracy as part of nation-building," the governor said here on Thursday.

He made the statement when asked about suggestions to the same effect made by many quarters in the country.

Lebu Raya said Gus Dur's demise had plunged the whole nation into deep grief, especially the people of East Nusa Tenggara who had always respected him as a uniting figure as well as a figure who always defended minorities and small people.

He said Gus Dur had always taught people to live in harmony, to be tolerant toward and respect each other.

Gus Dur's principles should always be upheld and practiced by the younger generation, he said.

On behalf of his family, the local government and people Lebu Raya expressed deep condolences over Gus Dur's death. He hoped that what Gus Dur had taught would continue to prevail in the nation's life so that the country would be able to preserve its unity.