Friski Riana, Jakarta – The Prosperous Justice Party (PKS) secretary-general Mustafa Kamal said negative campaigns are not aimed to slander a political opponent.
"Negative campaigns are not slander. It shows facts and the data that will create collective introspection, which can be seen as a positive element," said Mustafa at the Senayan Parliamentary complex in Jakarta today, Oct. 16.
According to Mustafa, a negative campaign will further translate into positive if packaged with the Eastern culture that views highly politeness and manners. "It should all be expressed calmly under a democratic procedure," he explained.
He further suggests that negative campaigns are common in the political realm. However, Mustafa asserts that it must be framed in a positive construction. He, therefore, said that it is normal for an opposition to publicly issue their opponent's weaknesses through facts.
Previously, PKS President Sohibul Iman allowed candidates for legislation to be involved in negative campaigns. "Go ahead with negative campaigns, but 20 percent is enough. Negative campaigns are when we highlight the weaknesses of our opponents backed with facts. That is permissible," said Sohibul on October 14, during a campaign meeting for the 2019 general election.