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Jakarta: Former President Aburrahman Wahid (Gus Dur) rejected the government's idea to issue a joint-decree banning Ahmadiyah. He plans to sue the government if it is issued.

“An organization that never engages in violence like the Islam Defenders Front (FPI) and Laskar Islam cannot be banned,” Gus Dur told journalists in Jakarta yesterday.

The President's spokesperson, Andi Mallarangeng, said President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono has not received the joint-decree draft. “I will know when it is reported to the President,” said Andi yesterday.

Gus Dur said dissolving FPI is more important than discussing the status of Ahmadiyah as FPI has violated the Constitution.

The national secretary of Setara Institute Benny Susetyo said this is momentum for the government to enforce the Constitution and to act firmly against constitution violators. “If the government allows the violence, it means the government itself is violating the constitution,” said Benny.

Secretary General of the National Commission on Human Rights (Komnas HAM), Asmara Nababan said Ahmadiyah or the public can sue the government when the joint-decree is issued.

As executive director of Demos, he also said that the government's reputation will be requested for banning the Ahmadiyah, as international organizations promoting the freedom of faith. “It will be a big mistake for the government and for this nation,” said Asmara.

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