"I appreciate this support."Bengkulu (ANTARA News) - The Constitutional Court chief justice, Mahfud MD, has stated that he will never trade his idealism for a political party`s promise to nominate him as a presidential candidate for the 2014 elections.
"I will never give up my idealism for a high position, although certain parties have given me that offer," he said after inaugurating the secretariat of the Bengkulu regional board of the Indonesia Islamic University Alumni Council (IKA UII) here on Friday.
Mahfud, who has often been mentioned as a prospective presidential or vice presidential candidate, confirmed that some political party leaders had earlier approached him to ask about his willingness to be nominated as a presidential or vice presidential candidate for their parties.
However, he said he would never sacrifice his ideals, irrespective of the positions he was offered by any party.
"Some have offered me money, while others have tried to lure me with boats and promises of high political posts in return for passing unfair verdicts," he continued.
Regarding his stance on whether he would run for president or vice president, Mahfud said he would announce it only after his term as Constitutional Court justice expired in April this year.
Most surveys have named Mahfud as one of the prospective candidates for the presidential elections to be held next year.
"Some survey results have indeed indicated me as an alternative candidate, but right now I cannot confirm anything," he said.
Mahfud noted that, as a Constitutional Court chief, it would be unethical to talk about the subject.
"Later, after my term expires, I will make my decision known to the public," he said.
Mahfud has received support from various quarters, including fan clubs from Manado and Papua.
"I appreciate this support. Its a good thing. In the past, no one would dare nominate himself or others for the nation`s top post except Soeharto (former Indonesian president)," he pointed out.
"Back then, people would be considered insane and be arrested if they dared to nominate themselves or others as a presidential candidate," Mahfud continued.
In the current reform era, however, no one was prohibited from doing that, he noted.
When asked about which party he would choose if he decided to run for president later, Mahfud said people should wait and watch.
"Once, the decision is made, the party will be available," he added.
According to the law, only those political parties that are allowed to participate in the election can nominate a candidate.
Ten political parties have been confirmed to take part in the elections next year.
All parties except one Nasdem had participated in the previous general elections. Among them are ruling Democrat Party, Golkar Party, opposition Indonesia Democratic Party Struggle (PDIP), Hanura and Gerindra, Islamic parties PKB, PKS and PPP and PAN.
Some of the parties have named their presidential candidates. For instance, Golkar Party has nominated Aburizal Bakrie, its general chairman, as its presidential candidate.
(Uu.H-YH/INE/KR-BSR/B003)
Editor: Priyambodo RH
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