Minister criticizes 'nepotism' in politics<\/p>\n
JAKARTA (JP): Minister of Defense and Security Edi Sudradjat
\ncriticized yesterday the nepotistic tendencies behind the
\nselection of candidates for the general election in May.<\/p>\n
\"Recruitment of legislative candidates should not be based on
\ntheir proximity to or relations with government and military
\nofficials,\" Edi replied when asked by reporters to comment on the
\nchoice of candidates.<\/p>\n
The political parties that nominate them should recruit
\ncandidates based on merit, he said after a hearing with House
\nCommission I for political and security affairs.<\/p>\n
\"If you are qualified you should be the one who sits in the
\nHouse,\" said the retired Army general.<\/p>\n
The issue was only briefly touched on at the hearing.
\nIronically, it was raised by a legislator from Golkar, the
\ndominant faction and, of the three political groups contesting
\nthe May 29 election, the most widely accused of nepotism.<\/p>\n
Syafrinus, the Golkar legislator, regretted that some
\ngovernment officials regard the practice as acceptable.<\/p>\n
\"I find it hard to believe that some officials say there is
\nnothing wrong with nepotism in recruiting members for the House
\nof Representatives,\" he said.<\/p>\n
Nepotism emerged as an issue earlier this month when the
\nGeneral Election Institute released the names of some 2,000
\ncandidates who will run for the 425 seats opening up in the
\nHouse.<\/p>\n
Technically, members of the public have the right to raise
\nobjections to any of the candidates, but the leaders of the three
\npolitical groups have final say.<\/p>\n
Golkar's list of candidates includes the wives and children of
\nhigh-ranking government and military officials.<\/p>\n
While leaders of the ruling political group have dismissed the
\naccusations, saying that its candidates were picked after a
\nstringent selection process, some from within the group's own
\nranks have voiced objections.<\/p>\n
Tadjus Sobirin, chairman of Golkar's Jakarta chapter, for
\nexample, has protested the nomination of dangdut musician Rhoma
\nIrama as a candidate for Jakarta. (imn)<\/p>",
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