Candidate for vice president<\/p>\n
As the election year approaches, people begin to think about
\nwho will be the next vice president of Indonesia. Being a
\nlongtime well-wisher of Indonesia and an admirer of President
\nSoeharto, I want to express my opinion on the subject. I hope it
\nwill be taken as a lighter comment, because my knowledge of local
\npolitics is limited.<\/p>\n
First, I want to state again, as expressed before in the
\nletters column, that all Indonesians do not fully realize how
\nlucky they are to be blessed with a genius of a leader in
\nPresident Soeharto. Such a leader comes on the nation's scene in
\na generation. I hope that Soeharto will continue to guide the
\ndestiny of Indonesia as long as he wishes and his health permits.
\nHis contribution and focus on national unity, stability,
\nreligious tolerance and economic development will remain forever
\nenshrined in the hearts and minds of his people.<\/p>\n
State Minister of Research and Technology B.J. Habibie,
\nGeneral (ret) Soemitro and others have commented on the race for
\nvice president. One agrees with the minister that only God knows
\nwhat will happen in the future. Mr. Habibie is an Indonesian
\ngenius. He has done a remarkable job as the head of research and
\ntechnology and he seems to be very happy in this position, to be
\nfree to act as he wishes. In my opinion, although Mr. Habibie is
\nvery well qualified, he will be uncomfortable in the position of
\nvice president. Most research scientists feel that way.<\/p>\n
During the painful period of 1965 and 1966, President Soeharto
\nreceived support from all quarters, particularly from ABRI and
\nstudent activists -- the 1966 Generation.<\/p>\n
Soeharto has always been thankful for the support. I believe
\nthat in order to formally recognize the services of the 1966
\nGeneration, it will be appropriate, as a symbol, to consider a
\nformer student activist, Mr. Fahmi Idris, to be the next vice
\npresident of Indonesia. I am sure Bapak Soeharto will make the
\ncorrect decision, as always.<\/p>\n
M. KHALIQ QURESHI<\/p>\n
Jakarta<\/p>", "url": "https:\/\/jawawa.id\/newsitem\/candidate-for-vice-president-1447893297", "image": "" }, "sponsor": "Okusi Associates", "sponsor_url": "https:\/\/okusiassociates.com" }