Don’t see my award in a bad way: SBY

 

After a month of angry debate, President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono directly addressed the problem of the World Statesman Award, set to be bestowed upon him later this week.
SBY implored Indonesians not to perceive the award negatively, claiming it was actually for the nation not just an individual.
“I am aware of the protests from some figures and groups. I respect their opinion. But you should also notice that the award is from a credible international organization which has closely observed our country for quite a long time. If the organization decides to award our nation through its President, we must not see it in a bad way,” Yudhoyono said.
The President admitted numerous incidents and conflicts persisted but said this should not affect his eligibility for the US-based Appeal of Conscience Foundation award.