The race among parties<\/p>\n
The reform movement has been fighting for its life amid
\nincreasing uncertainties. To certain groups of students, the
\nreform movement has been dead, thus they urge President Megawati
\nSoekarnoputri and Vice President Hamzah Haz to resign for failing
\nto maintain the spirit of reform.<\/p>\n
However, amid the lack of reform spirit, a couple of parties
\nhave been able to buck the skepticism -- the United Development
\nParty (PPP) and Golkar Party.<\/p>\n
The two parties have opened themselves to the public for
\nmembership. PPP for instance, has invited those willing to be
\nmembers of the legislative body representing the Islamic-based
\nparty.<\/p>\n
Golkar, cornered by certain quarters, has claimed to be the
\nmost prepared for reforms by recruiting its presidential nominee
\nthrough a convention.<\/p>\n
Is it wrong for parties not to open themselves to outsiders
\nto be nominated for president? Of course not, as it is an
\nagreement that has to be appreciated.<\/p>\n
However, both PPP and Golkar have shown the courage to change.
\nOne of the reasons why reform is fading away is that the elite
\ngroup lack the courage to make sacrifices.<\/p>\n
It is not enough for PPP and Golkar to race in inviting
\noutsiders to presidential nomination, to prove that they are
\nreformists.<\/p>\n
Old and new parties are faced with the question on the
\nwillingness of their leaders to leave their positions in the
\nparty once they are elected as public officials.<\/p>\n
If party leaders are daring enough to do that, they will do a
\ngood turn for this nation's life. -- Media Indonesia, Jakarta<\/p>",
"url": "https:\/\/jawawa.id\/newsitem\/the-race-among-parties-1447893297",
"image": ""
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"sponsor": "Okusi Associates",
"sponsor_url": "https:\/\/okusiassociates.com"
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