PPP developing into opposition party<\/p>\n
From Rakyat Merdeka<\/p>\n
The absence of an opposition party during Soeharto's New Order
\nallowed his government to act without effective control from
\noutside. The role of an opposition party is vital in a democracy
\nto check the government or act as a \"sparring partner\", to borrow
\nAmien Rais' expression.<\/p>\n
I worry the same situation will be repeated under President
\nAbdurrahman Wahid because since the formation of the \"National
\nUnity\" Cabinet, many informed Indonesians have lamented the
\nabsence of an organized opposition.<\/p>\n
There is the case of the replacement of Hamzah Haz, who is the
\nchairman of United Development Party (PPP), as coordinating
\nminister for people's welfare and poverty eradication (apart from
\n\"a grand conspiracy\" aimed at destroying the axis force or rumors
\nof corruption involving Hamzah Haz as the party's chief).
\nHopefully, the development will change PPP's policy for it to
\nbecome an opposition party. Then it would be followed by a plan
\nto withdraw another PPP minister, Zarkasih Nur, from the Cabinet.<\/p>\n
If it happens, PPP will be an effective opposition party
\nbecause PPP does not have a representative in the Cabinet. At
\nleast there are two positive aspects if PPP becomes an opposition
\nparty. First, PPP will minimize the chance of the return of a
\nSoeharto-like government. Second, PPP will be supported by a
\nminor party and in the future it will obtain sympathy from the
\nmajority of people.<\/p>\n
I hope that PPP, as a real opposition party, will have the
\nright to criticize the government.<\/p>\n
MUHAMMAD JA'FAR AL HADAR<\/p>\n
Jakarta<\/p>", "url": "https:\/\/jawawa.id\/newsitem\/ppp-developing-into-opposition-party-1447893297", "image": "" }, "sponsor": "Okusi Associates", "sponsor_url": "https:\/\/okusiassociates.com" }