Egi Adyatama, Jakarta – The Indonesian Ulema Council (MUI) called on society to maintain unity just less than a month to Indonesia's 2019 Presidential Election.

"Having different choices is a given, but don't let differences tear us apart," said Muhyiddin Junaidi, the chairman of MUI's Foreign Relations and International Cooperation Division, at the Vice Presidential office today.

He appealed to Indonesians to face the quinquennial moment of presidential and general elections as an opportunity to mature oneself and put forth logical thinking.

"I think it would be embarrassing to quarrel because of the presidential election. That would be slapping the nation's face, especially Muslims," said Muhyiddin.

Moreover, Muhyiddin also suggested supporters of both presidential candidates to refrain from nicknaming each other as it was against Islamic teachings.

"Nicknaming like that should not be preserved. That violates akhlakul karimah (good mannerisms)," said the MUI member.

Source: https://en.tempo.co/read/1188928/quarrelling-over-political-differences-is-embarrassing-says-mui