Government no longer effective: Golkar Party<\/p>\n
JAKARTA (JP): Indonesia's second largest political party, the
\nGolkar Party, in its year-end reflection on Thursday fired a
\nbroadside at the government which it described as an ineffective
\nadministration and incapable of resolving the nation's problems.<\/p>\n
Golkar chairman Akbar Tandjung said on Thursday that President
\nAbdurrahman Wahid's administration seemed oblivious to resolving
\nthe many pressing issues, and that while it was democratically
\nelected the government \"is starting to lose its legitimacy.\"<\/p>\n
The waning credibility of the government, according to Akbar,
\nwas mainly caused by poor management and Abdurrahman's own
\ncontroversial style.<\/p>\n
Despite his stinging criticism, Akbar maintained that Golkar
\nwould always adhere to constitutional means in launching any
\nopposition.<\/p>\n
\"As a political party, Golkar would listen to the people's
\naspirations, but it would always conduct its stance
\nconstitutionally,\" Akbar, who is also Speaker of the House of
\nRepresentatives, said.<\/p>\n
Akbar said the government as a whole during 2000 has not shown
\nsignificant achievements in various fields.<\/p>\n
The progress in the political spectrum, such as
\ndemocratization and press freedom, was actually a continuation of
\nprograms launched by the past government, he argued.<\/p>\n
\"Based on those various aspects, until the end of the year,
\nthe government's performance is still far from people's
\nexpectations,\" he remarked.<\/p>\n
Asked whether Golkar would give \"a deadline\" to the government
\nto improve its performance, Akbar replied that the party will
\nwait for eight months until the annual session of the Assembly in
\nAugust.<\/p>\n
Referring to talk of an impending Cabinet reshuffle after the
\nnew year, Akbar said Golkar would reject offers for seats in the
\ngovernment if the president does not change his management style.<\/p>\n
He said a Cabinet reshuffle, if it does occur, would only
\ndisplay how the president failed to thoroughly review his initial
\nselection.<\/p>\n
\"But we would consider the offer...let it be decided by the
\npresident whether to reshuffle or not. But our target is the 2004
\n(general election) not now\" he insisted.<\/p>\n
Akbar claimed that the party is consolidating itself in all
\nlevels from national executives to leaders in districts and
\nvillages to prepare for the 2004 election.(jun)<\/p>",
"url": "https:\/\/jawawa.id\/newsitem\/government-no-longer-effective-golkar-party-1447893297",
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