Amien vows to tone down criticism against govt<\/p>\n
DENPASAR, Bali (JP): Amien Rais, famous for his argumentative
\ntendencies, has pledged to tone down his criticism of the
\ngovernment and remain quiet for a year after the August general
\nsession of the People's Consultative Assembly.<\/p>\n
\"I will shut up after the annual Assembly in August and it
\nwill last until the next assembly in August 2001,\" Amien said,
\nafter a meeting with the Bali Travel Mart event organizer in Bali
\nTropik Hotel, Tanjung Benoa, on Monday.<\/p>\n
In an apparent reaction to critics who say that he talks too
\nmuch, Assembly Speaker Amien Rais said he would no longer
\ncriticize President Abdurrahman Wahid.<\/p>\n
During the Assembly session in 2001, Amien said he would
\nthoroughly evaluate the President's work.<\/p>\n
Amien is currently under fire for his support for the
\nestablishment of an independent medical team to check
\nAbdurrahman's health.<\/p>\n
National Awakening Party (PKB) legislators have lashed back at
\nthe proposal saying that Amien Rais himself should also undergo a
\ncheckup.<\/p>\n
The President said last week that he has received assurances
\nfrom political leaders, including from Amien, that the Assembly
\nsession would not impeach him.<\/p>\n
Amien, however warned on Monday that his silence would be
\nperceived as a blank cheque for the President to do as he wishes.<\/p>\n
He added that he would take tough measures if the President
\nfails to fulfill his commitments.<\/p>\n
\"If he is given another chance, who knows if there will be a
\nmiracle. If the President can fulfill his obligation,
\nAlhamdulillah (Thank God). But if he fails we have to find
\nanother solution,\" said Amien.<\/p>\n
But before silencing himself, Amien took the opportunity on
\nMonday to bemoan people's immaturity and unpreparedness to face
\nthe practices of democracy saying that many could not accept
\ndiffering views such as the ones stated by himself.<\/p>\n
\"Many people think that it just causes political instability
\nwhen the elites are busy attacking each other,\" Amien said.<\/p>\n
Amien said the President himself often misunderstands these
\ncriticisms and erroneously considers them as an effort to topple
\nhim.<\/p>\n
Amien stressed that his criticism was merely to encourage the
\nPresident to cease controversial statements and refrain from
\ncommenting on matters which he does not fully understand.<\/p>\n
\"Don't sleep during a Cabinet meeting!\" Amien advised the
\nPresident.(zen\/edt)<\/p>",
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