Tricky job being a spokesman<\/p>\n
One has to admit that the job of presidential spokesman is an
\nhonorable one. And suddenly President Abdurrahman Wahid has four
\nspokesmen, each with his own speciality, led by former television
\ntalk show presenter Wimar Witoelar. While I am ready to
\ncongratulate them all if they feel happy with their new
\nassignments, I have, on the other hand, the impression that it is
\na tricky job. The main reason is obviously because the President
\nlikes to play tricks with many people and many issues.<\/p>\n
For instance, with the strong anti-Israel mood now prevailing
\nin almost all layers of society, Abdurrahman has been adamant
\nthat trade relations between Indonesia and Israel are not harmful
\nfrom the economic point of view. He also rejected the idea that
\nhe should resign from his position in the Shimon Perez foundation
\nclaiming it is not a religious but an international institution.<\/p>\n
The President's interference in judicial affairs involving the
\npostponement of legal proceedings against three well-known
\nconglomerates, has given the impression of collusion and
\nmalpratice.<\/p>\n
President Abdurrahman Wahid, once believed to be the champion
\nof democracy, has now become as authoritarian as Soeharto during
\nthe New Order era. A noted commentator (Sabam Siagian) has
\ndetected different interpretations among the spokesmen in respect
\nof the same events.<\/p>\n
Of course, it is their right as presidential spokesmen and
\nlawyers to defend the President's policies and personality at one
\nand the same time if that is included in their job descriptions.
\nIt should be remembered that Abdurrahman Wahid has been
\npolitically indicted by the House of Representatives (except by
\nhis party loyalists) for a number of offenses against the
\nConstitution and suspicious dealings which have been dubbed the
\nvarious \"-gates\"?<\/p>\n
The risks are that these presidential spokesmen will sooner or
\nlater get involved themselves, against their will of course, in
\nthe President's own shady dealings. Abdurrahman Wahid is not an
\nordinary leader whose words and steps are easily explicable.<\/p>\n
GANDHI SUKARDI<\/p>\n
Jakarta<\/p>", "url": "https:\/\/jawawa.id\/newsitem\/tricky-job-being-a-spokesman-1447893297", "image": "" }, "sponsor": "Okusi Associates", "sponsor_url": "https:\/\/okusiassociates.com" }