Gus Dur's allegations<\/p>\n
A week following the dismissal of yet another two ministers by
\nPresident Abdurrahman Wahid (Gus Dur) from his Cabinet, some
\nquestions remain unanswered. Will Gus Dur comply with the request
\nfor his ousted former assistants to retract his accusations that
\nthe motive behind the latter's sacking had been their alleged
\ninvolvement in corruption, collusion and nepotism (KKN). The two
\nministers, Laksamana Sukardi and Yusuf Kalla, have denied the
\ncharges and demand concrete proof or rehabilitation of their
\nnames.<\/p>\n
Originally the motive for removal was said to be the failure
\nof the ministers to cooperate with their colleagues on the
\neconomic team. Then Gus Dur switched gears and told a closed
\nsession of the House of Representatives that according to his
\n\"team of whisperers\" the ministers were guilty of KKN.<\/p>\n
I think that Gus Dur's inconsistency in this respect showed
\nthat he was not sincere, in other words he himself was not too
\nconvinced, of his allegations. If he had deliberately lied to
\nmake his charges sound more credible, then he has committed a
\nbreach of morality considering that in addition to being a head
\nof state, he is also a cleric.<\/p>\n
If the charges contain elements of political or even personal
\nslander, Gus Dur has committed a sin and is not worthy to be head
\nof state any longer. Unlike in the USA, fortunately for him, to
\nlie as head of state is not seen as a breach of the constitution
\nthat allows impeachment proceedings to begin.<\/p>\n
However, in appointing his own party member to the vacant post
\nfor everybody to see, it has been Gus Dur himself who is seen by
\nmany as guilty of KKN. What can one think when, after only two
\ndays following installation, the replacement minister (Rozy
\nMunir) was reported by a leading newspaper to have accepted
\nbribes in the form of cash and cars?<\/p>\n
Does it not matter in Gus Dur's judgment that the new
\nministers are less qualified and less experienced in their field?
\nHow could he expect the economy to recover more speedily by
\nintroducing his close whisperers who are internationally less
\ncredible and less professional in standards? Gus Dur's moral edge
\nand influence have been badly tarnished.<\/p>\n
Why has Laksamana Sukardi's party, Indonesian Democratic Party
\nof Struggle (PDI-Perjuangan), and in particular its chairwoman
\nMegawati Soekarnoputri reacted so disappointingly slow and
\nhesitant to show a more evident protest?<\/p>\n
It looks like the days of his coalition cabinet or those of
\nGus Dur's himself, are numbered. How does he prove that his
\nallegations are true, and not just hearsay?<\/p>\n
GANDHI SUKARDI<\/p>\n
Jakarta<\/p>", "url": "https:\/\/jawawa.id\/newsitem\/gus-durs-allegations-1447893297", "image": "" }, "sponsor": "Okusi Associates", "sponsor_url": "https:\/\/okusiassociates.com" }