Megawati's doublespeak<\/p>\n
In an interview in the June 21 edition of Newsweek, Megawati
\nSoekarnoputri made a statement which set me thinking. Question:
\n"Why are you so vague when you talk of your policies?".
\nMegawati's answer: "I'm not. It depends on the audience. If I'm
\naddressing an international audience I always talk about specific
\npolicies. But not when I'm facing the people who can't easily
\ndigest complicated and sophisticated policies."<\/p>\n
Does this mean that only an "international audience" is
\nentitled to clear statements from Megawati "about specific
\npolicies", but not her fellow citizens? Does this mean that
\nmillions of well-educated Indonesians who can very well "easily
\ndigest complicated and sophisticated policies" do not deserve the
\nsame privilege as an "international audience"? And what about
\nthose Indonesians who might indeed have difficulties in
\ncomprehending difficult political issues? Are they not entitled
\nto be addressed by a presidential candidate with simple words
\nwhich, I am sure, they would be able to understand?<\/p>\n
Megawati Soekarnoputri should explain to her supporters that
\n36 percent of the votes are not a majority which would
\nautomatically entitle her to become president. She should also
\ntell her fanatical followers that their blood-oath action and
\nbanners saying "Megawati or Revolution" are serious threats to
\nthe long-desired democratization of the country. Who will bear
\nthe responsibility if her supporters run amok in case the
\nconstitutionally legitimized People's Consultative Assembly (MPR)
\ndoes not elect her president? I think it should be the prime
\nconcern of a presidential candidate to provide political
\neducation, especially to the common people.<\/p>\n
Former president Soeharto addressed his "subjects" like
\nunderage children, and critical questions were not permitted. It
\nworries me that now, when people can freely question their
\npolitical leaders, Megawati's supporters choose to follow her
\nblindly, without asking any questions about her political views.<\/p>\n
After Soeharto's fall, Indonesia has made a big step forward
\nby introducing freedom of the press and by holding the country's
\nfirst free and fair elections. I am afraid that actions like
\nblood oaths and threats which put the MPR under pressure may turn
\nthe wheel back to political patterns similar to those prevailing
\nduring the New Order.<\/p>\n
MRS. HILDE MAY<\/p>\n
Jakarta<\/p>", "url": "https:\/\/jawawa.id\/newsitem\/megawatis-doublespeak-1447893297", "image": "" }, "sponsor": "Okusi Associates", "sponsor_url": "https:\/\/okusiassociates.com" }