Gus Dur ignores second memorandum<\/p>\n
President Abdurrahman \"Gus Dur\" Wahid's appearance on state
\ntelevision on April 2, 2001 -- with not a single reference to the
\nsecond memorandum, let alone response to it, as many had expected
\n-- will surely be seen by the opposition as ignoring the censure
\nmotion. In a way, Gus Dur has now thrown his last cards on the
\ntable and will defiantly wait for the other camp's next move.<\/p>\n
That move cannot be other than a proposal to the People's
\nConsultative Assembly (MPR) to hold a special session to impeach
\nthe President, according to the predicted scenario.<\/p>\n
In his televised address, Gus Dur suggested that due to his
\npersonal interference, peace has prevailed in the country and
\nthat the unruly crowd that traveled from several provinces to
\nJakarta could be controlled while they demonstrated their support
\nfor him. Accordingly the House of Representatives could
\ndeliberate peacefully and successfully -- culminating with the
\nissuance of the second memorandum. However, Gus Dur has also been
\nadamant in reminding the legislative body of its duties and
\nshortcomings, apparently as a counter move.<\/p>\n
Gus Dur has remained fearless amid the maelstrom, but also
\nunaware of the fact that under whatever system (parliamentary or
\npresidential) he has, first, lost his political legitimacy since
\neight of 10 factions in the House have withdrawn their support.
\nGus Dur prefers to count on the hundred of thousands of his
\nfanatic followers rather than taking account of those elected to
\nsit in the House. Maybe he is thinking that democracy, after all,
\nhas something to do with majority. Perhaps he longs to fly out of
\nthe country to visit Australia and New Zealand and directly face
\nprospective investors to help the country's sagging economy to
\nmove again in the right direction, single-handedly.<\/p>\n
The whole nation is now turning its attention to what Vice
\nPresident Megawati and the Indonesian Democratic Party of
\nStruggle will initiate with the support of other political party
\nleaders.<\/p>\n
A little pressure on Gus Dur to step aside -- not necessarily
\nstep down -- and be a figure-head president while transferring
\nfull executive power to Megawati seems to be the only and last
\nway to resolve the political impasse.<\/p>\n
GANDHI SUKARDI<\/p>\n
Jakarta<\/p>", "url": "https:\/\/jawawa.id\/newsitem\/gus-dur-ignores-second-memorandum-1447893297", "image": "" }, "sponsor": "Okusi Associates", "sponsor_url": "https:\/\/okusiassociates.com" }