Political, economic observers ask Gus Dur to step down<\/p>\n
JAKARTA (JP): As the National Police and the Attorney
\nGeneral's Office study the report on President Abdurrahman
\nWahid's alleged involvement in the two financial scandals, calls
\nhave mounted that the President step down and allow Vice
\nPresident Megawati Soekarnoputri to take control of the nation.<\/p>\n
A group of 17 political and economic observers said on Friday
\nthat Abdurrahman's administration is no longer effective,
\nhighlighting the negligible level of support it now garners from
\nthe House of Representatives and the public.<\/p>\n
"The President has lost the House's trust, so he should read
\nthe signals wisely and not insist on maintaining his position.<\/p>\n
"Although his resignation is necessary, this alone is not a
\nsufficient requirement for completion of the reform agenda,"
\neconomic researcher Dradjad Wibowo said while reading the group's
\nstatement during a media conference held at the Menteng residence
\nof noted economic observer Sjahrir in Central Jakarta.<\/p>\n
"Therefore, Megawati should follow up with constitutional
\nmeasures and be committed to continuing the reform agenda."<\/p>\n
Other signatories included political observers Ikrar Nusa
\nBhakti, Andi Mallarangeng, Dewi Fortuna Anwar, Riswandha Imawan
\nand Fachry Ali, as well as economic observers Didik J. Rachbini,
\nSri Adiningsih, Sri Mulyani Indrawati, Revrisond Baswir and Umar
\nJuoro.<\/p>\n
Similarly, Andi Mallarangeng said that Abdurrahman should
\nannounce his resignation soon.<\/p>\n
"Abdurrahman has lost the political support of the House. The
\ncountry's political and economic situation is stagnant. It will
\nbe too long and too costly if we wait until August (to impeach
\nthe President)," Mallarangeng said while referring to the next
\nannual session of the People's Consultative Assembly.<\/p>\n
"Although there will be no guarantee that Megawati will
\nsucceed Abdurrahman, this is our hope, as her party, which won
\nthe 1999 election, controls 34 percent of the seats in the
\nHouse," he added.<\/p>\n
Calls for Megawati to take over the presidency have mounted
\nover recent days after the House issued a memorandum against
\nAbdurrahman over his alleged involvement in the misuse of Rp 35
\nbillion (US$3.6 million) from the State Logistics Agency (Bulog)
\nand a $2 million donation from the Sultan of Brunei.<\/p>\n
On Wednesday, the Supreme Advisory Council (DPA) proposed that
\nthe President give full authority to Megawati to lead the
\nadministration, while Abdurrahman should only remain as the head
\nof state.<\/p>\n
Media reports said that Abdurrahman would take time to
\nconsider the proposal due to the tense security situation in the
\ncountry.<\/p>\n
Meanwhile, Sjahrir said the group's statement should be
\nconsidered a moral appeal for the President to halt the worsening
\nconditions.<\/p>\n
"Megawati should quickly form a transitional administration to
\ngovern for the next 12 to 18 months. During this period she
\nshould prepare a system for direct presidential elections and
\nimprove the economic situation," Sjahrir said.<\/p>\n
"Then we can speed up the next general election enabling a
\nbetter government and political system. Abdurrahman can join the
\nnext election if he wants to, but in the meantime he should
\nresign," he added. (dja)<\/p>",
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