Twin presidents<\/p>\n
From Rakyat Merdeka<\/p>\n
Twin Presidents? That was a forecast made by Daniel Sparingga,
\na noted political analyst from the University of Airlangga on a
\nprivate TV station recently. In his opinion, the twin presidents
\nwill be born after the special session of the People's
\nConsultative Assembly (MPR) to be convened on Aug. 1, 2001.<\/p>\n
Daniel Sparingga's statement could become a reality due to
\nseveral factors:<\/p>\n
First, the majority of MPR members will most likely reject
\nPresident Abdurrahman \"Gus Dur\" Wahid's accountability report,
\nresulting in the revocation of the mandate conferred on him.
\nHowever, Gus Dur is insistent on staying in power and reluctant
\nto get out of the palace.<\/p>\n
Second, the President as the one entrusted with such a
\nmandate, would probably not accept such a revocation or
\nimpeachment proceedings against him, despite the fact that the
\nMPR has already issued a bill on the appointment of Megawati as
\npresident of the Republic of Indonesia.<\/p>\n
Gus Dur's insistence reminds us of the Philippines' Joseph
\nEstrada who refused to leave Malacanang Palace and still declared
\nhimself as the nation's legitimate leader.<\/p>\n
Third, if the MPR has issued a stipulation on the appointment
\nand confirmation of Megawati as president, while Gus Dur insists
\non staying at the helm, there will be a dualism in the national
\nleadership as is currently happening in the National Police: two
\ntop leaders vying for the baton.<\/p>\n
Therefore, I would like to suggest that Gus Dur, if in the
\nvoting session he is grossly outvoted, step down like Habibie who
\nhanded over his power gracefully after the MPR rejected his
\nrenomination as president in 1999.<\/p>\n
VALERY E SETIAWAN<\/p>\n
Bengkulu<\/p>", "url": "https:\/\/jawawa.id\/newsitem\/twin-presidents-1447899208", "image": "" }, "sponsor": "Okusi Associates", "sponsor_url": "https:\/\/okusiassociates.com" }