I can see clearly now<\/p>\n
During my brief stay in the western Australian city of Perth,
\nI sent a couple of letters which found their way into the letters
\ncolumn of this newspaper.<\/p>\n
To Mr. Yaluritja of Koondoola, West Australia, who happens to
\nbe a subscriber of The Jakarta Post, I would like to apologize
\nfor the fact that I did not write enough about the plight of the
\naboriginal people of that country. But I would like to assure Mr.
\nYaluritja (the Post, June 28, 2000) that I was and still am aware
\nof their past and present aspirations, including their historical
\nand cultural rights.<\/p>\n
The main purpose of my visit to Australia was, however, a
\nmedical check-up, and I only wrote about my superficial
\nimpressions of the country and was not planning to make a study
\nof Australian political or cultural life.<\/p>\n
Yes, the name of the Australian prime minister I interviewed
\nin 1976 about East Timor was not John Fraser, but Malcolm Fraser.
\nJohn was Fraser's press secretary and I often confuse the names.<\/p>\n
About the kangaroos, it is correct that they do not lay eggs,
\nbut give birth in the way common among mammals. At the time I
\nwrote that, I was perhaps drinking too much Australian wine.<\/p>\n
Maybe the Conservative Party, to which Malcolm Fraser
\nbelonged, will also forgive me for my forgetfulness or
\ncarelessness. So far, I have not received any reaction from the
\nkangaroos or the koalas.<\/p>\n
I came to Australia to have my eye lenses replaced with
\nartificial lenses, because I was diagnosed with cataracts. The
\nLion International-sponsored Eye Center in Perth, under the
\ndirection of internationally reputed Professor Ian Constable,
\nperformed the operation on me with success. Now I no longer need
\nto wear glasses.<\/p>\n
I also underwent surgery at the private Holywood Hospital for
\ncardiac irregularities. The surgery was performed by Dr. Cope. I
\nmet a number of Indonesians seeking the services of both
\ninstitutes. Actually, similar facilities are available in
\nIndonesia and you do not need to travel to Australia to check
\nyour eyes or heart.<\/p>\n
GANDHI SUKARDI<\/p>\n
Jakarta<\/p>", "url": "https:\/\/jawawa.id\/newsitem\/i-can-see-clearly-now-1447893297", "image": "" }, "sponsor": "Okusi Associates", "sponsor_url": "https:\/\/okusiassociates.com" }