Our political agenda<\/p>\n
There can be no bargaining on it: President B.J. Habibie must
\ntake immediate, concrete, transparent and professional actions to
\nlay bare the many cases of corruption, collusion and nepotism,
\nbeginning by examining ex-President Soeharto. Although all this
\nwill have to be done in accordance to the principles of
\nlawfulness, truth and justice, we would like to underline the
\nfact that investigating the ex-president is a part of our
\nnational political agenda.<\/p>\n
In order that the public can be sure that those efforts are
\nundertaken, we agree with National Mandate Party chairman Amien
\nRais that President Habibie should be given one month to begin
\nhis investigation of Soeharto. What this means is that in the
\nnext few days noticeable steps in that direction must be taken.
\nAnother urgent point on our national political agenda concerns
\nthe holding of general elections. We all agree that the scheduled
\ngeneral elections must be thoroughly prepared in every aspect and
\nnot only in as far as the actual balloting is involved, but also
\nthe follow-up.<\/p>\n
Up to the present, however, the drafting of the political laws
\nconcerned continues to invite debate. It is not clear what the
\nrules that are to govern the campaigning will be like. The
\nquestion of funding remains unclear. It has still not been
\ndecided who will make up the independent, national or
\ninternational watchdogs. In the meantime only six months are left
\nbefore the actual balloting is scheduled to take place and the
\ntime schedule cannot be postponed. Then there is the question of
\nthe post-voting situation, which would concern such matters as
\npossible coalition arrangements and how the new government and
\nother state institution should be set up.<\/p>\n
For that purpose, we suggest that the government and political
\nparty leaders sit down and communicate intensively with each
\nother in an atmosphere of down-to-earth openness and in a spirit
\nof dedication towards the nation and national concord. Although
\npartisan sentiments will always be present in party politics and
\nduring general elections, all parties involved should be able to
\nperform professionally.<\/p>\n
In this context of ensuring professional political
\ncommunication, we must all agree that the presence of an active,
\ncritical and independent national media is necessary. Both the
\ngovernment and the political parties must open themselves towards
\nthe mass media and rely on them as a means of political
\ncommunication.<\/p>\n
-- Merdeka, Jakarta<\/p>", "url": "https:\/\/jawawa.id\/newsitem\/our-political-agenda-1447893297", "image": "" }, "sponsor": "Okusi Associates", "sponsor_url": "https:\/\/okusiassociates.com" }