Government told to improve performance<\/p>\n
BANDUNG (JP): A political observer has warned that the
\ngovernment must improve its performance and be more responsive to
\ncriticism.<\/p>\n
Indria Samego of the National Institute of Science (LIPI) said
\nafter speaking at a one-day seminar on Democratized Communication
\nat the Bandung-based Padjadjaran University on Monday that by not
\nresponding to criticism the government had triggered
\ndissatisfaction among people at the grass roots level.<\/p>\n
"The dissatisfaction could lead to efforts to bring down the
\ngovernment," Samego said.<\/p>\n
He also said that President Abdurrahman Wahid had been
\ninconsistent.<\/p>\n
"The unclear steps in the implementation of economic and
\npolitical programs could be cited as more examples of the
\nshortcomings of Abdurrahman's administration."<\/p>\n
According to Samego, Gus Dur (as the President is
\naffectionately called) could not free himself from New Order
\ninfluence.<\/p>\n
"The recruitment of old faces in government institutions could
\nbe cited as well. This has worsened the situation. In his six-
\nmonth administration Gus Dur has already faced charges of
\ncorruption, collusion and nepotism."<\/p>\n
Samego said during the first three years of his
\nadministration, Soeharto had yet to recruit his cronies.<\/p>\n
"The people could withdraw Gus Dur's legitimation if he does
\nnot perform well," he said, warning that the students could
\ntopple the government unconstitutionally if the government failed
\nto improve.<\/p>\n
"That is very possible, if in the next two months the people
\nfeel something wrong in the management of the government. Next
\nmonth when parents are busy finding schools for their children,
\nwhen fuel prices, electricity and telephone tariffs go up, people
\nwill then be aware that they are the ones shouldering the burden,
\nwhile elitist politicians are playing around with jargon and
\npolicy," Samego said.<\/p>\n
He said than no one expected unconstitutional changes in the
\ngovernment, yet people had hoped Gus Dur could cover his five-
\nyear term of office smoothly. He added that Gus Dur must be aware
\nthat the people will ask for his accountability. (25\/sur)<\/p>",
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