Ministers should not campaign<\/p>\n
From Pikiran Rakyat<\/p>\n
Debates are being held on whether Cabinet ministers should be
\nallowed to campaign. Some prominent public figures are against
\nthis in order to safeguard the neutrality of the 1999 general
\nelection. However, Golkar's general chairman agrees that
\nministers should campaign with the objective of getting as many
\nvotes as possible.<\/p>\n
There is no intention on my part to question the right of the
\nministers as political party members. But it would be a good
\nthing if, for the elections in 1999, the ministers do not join in
\nthe campaigning. They should be aware that they are not owned by
\ntheir party but by the government. The state's interest should be
\ngiven priority for the nation's unity and cohesion.<\/p>\n
Everything should be seen in the light of the experience that
\nour nation's political life was gray for 32 years. It should not
\nbe spoiled again due to one word -- "campaign".<\/p>\n
And because of that one word, there will be accusations that
\nthe election is not honest and just. The contents of the
\nministers' campaigning may not be different, but the same as
\nduring the Old Order regime, full of promises.<\/p>\n
The reason given is that in order not to disturb their work,
\nthe ministers will go on leave when they campaign. But that is
\nnot the point. It is the psychological effect.<\/p>\n
For example, if Akbar Tandjung campaigns, people will see him
\nnot as Golkar's chairman but as the state secretary.<\/p>\n
Likewise with other ministers. People will consider them not
\nas Golkar members but as ministers. The question may arise in
\ntheir minds whether the ministers are using state facilities.<\/p>\n
We must prevent this kind of evaluation. Now a number of
\nministers will go on leave to campaign. Consider the number of
\nprovinces they have to visit.<\/p>\n
In the ministers' absence, who is going to replace them in
\ntheir work? The ministers should abide by their basic task to
\nlead their respective ministries.<\/p>\n
SANTHONY SANDRA<\/p>\n
Bandung<\/p>", "url": "https:\/\/jawawa.id\/newsitem\/ministers-should-not-campaign-1447893297", "image": "" }, "sponsor": "Okusi Associates", "sponsor_url": "https:\/\/okusiassociates.com" }