"Competition in the general elections could be tight but remember not to sacrifice the people`s interest. Therefore let us make the 2014 elections run orderly, peacefully, and democratically," the president said.Jakarta (ANTARA News) - President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono has asked the political elite to not sacrifice the people for the sake of upcoming 2014 electoral competition.
"During the previous elections, our people used their right to vote orderly, peacefully, and wisely, and that must be a good example for the political elite in the upcoming elections," President Yudhoyono said on his Twitter account on Monday.
The head of state said there would be probably a tight competition in the general and presidential elections but the political elite should not sacrifice the people`s interest for the sake of competition.
"Competition in the general elections could be tight but remember not to sacrifice the people`s interest. Therefore let us make the 2014 elections run orderly, peacefully, and democratically," the president noted.
President Yudhoyono made the statement on his Twitter before leaving for Singapore, Myanmar, and Brunei Darussalam for a four-day working visit.
Speaking to the press before departing Halim Perdanakusuma airport for Singapore to start his three-country tour, the president said he would raise the sensitive ethnic issue of Muslim Rohingya community in talks with Myanmar President U Thein Sein.
"I will raise the ethnic Rohingya issue which has drawn wide public attention in Indonesia although we know it is a communal conflict in that country," Yudhoyono said.
He said Indonesia, the world largest Muslim country, has hoped that Myanmar could find a solution to the Rohinya and handle it fairly and peacefully.
"Indonesia wants to lend help to settle the communal conflict with all sincerity," he said.
The conflict has forced many Rohingya people to flee that country. Some of the refugees are held by the Indonesian immigration authorities after they were found stranded in the Indonesian waters.(*)
Editor: Heru Purwanto
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