A message from Mega

President Megawati Soekarnoputri's new Cabinet lineup was unveiled the other day. Its program and composition are now being scrutinized. The pros and cons are being discussed. But one thing that should not be missed is the manner in which Megawati announced it. In the way she made the announcement, Megawati sent a loud and clear message to the legislature and the general public: that she is very much in command, and no one but herself made the final decision on the composition of the Cabinet.

True, she said something about "the assistance of the Vice President", but one could say that it was mentioned out of respect and courtesy to Vice President Hamzah Haz.

The message is timely. Much has been said, rumored or speculated about Megawati that at the end of the day no one seemed very sure about her, even in the first few days after she had been elected as President. In the absence of further information, and in the way Megawati shied away from the press, it is understandable that the rumor mill was in full swing.

For example, it was widely believed that Megawati was much influenced by her husband Taufik Kiemas, who was often reported to be her "main adviser". And since Taufik is a businessman with a wide range of friends, including some business magnates with questionable activities, speculation thrived that Megawati would certainly become "hostage" to those "problematic" magnates.

Another widely believed speculation, mostly stirred by the foreign media, is that the military had put considerable pressure on Megawati to include a large number of military men in the Cabinet. Some even speculated that Megawati, due to her lack of experience and perceived indebtedness to the military for her ascendancy to power, would be heavily influenced to the point that she would become a "military puppet".

Now we know that some of the speculation has proved to be unfounded. It is really a relief for us to know that Megawati is in charge, and that her decision-making is sound. It is also heartening to know that Megawati seems to understand that she has an image problem, and that she intends to tackle it.

One of the first indications that she is on the right track is her decision, immediately after she was elected as President, to warn all members of her family (including her husband, siblings and in-laws) not to be involved in corruption, collusion and nepotism (KKN), which might jeopardize her presidency. She said it would be all right if she lost her presidency for political reasons, as long as she didn't lose it because of KKN.

We believe it would be better if the first family, led by husband Taufik Kiemas, publicly announced its decision to temporarily halt its direct business activities during Megawati's presidency. Experience has told us how power and greed corrupted many of our officials, including the first family. In short, Megawati (and the first family) should set an example.

Despite early optimism, it is fair to believe that President Megawati's capability is still unproven. That she could be firm, and that the final say is hers, is encouraging. But how strong is she under pressure? Could she be always composed and full of confidence for the rest of her presidential days?

We still have a long and hard way to go. The challenges ahead are huge. Public expectation is running high. And one should not forget that President Megawati has a lot of "enemies", or political rivals, who, while not openly opposed to her, are waiting in the wings, watching her every move and would strike if she displayed weakness or showed indications of failure.

In other words, the public expects President Megawati to deliver. They have placed their trust in her. And trust is something hard to earn in this country at this difficult time. Remember that President Abdurrahman Wahid's downfall began when people started to distrust him.

Hence, one should remember that the public trust in Megawati could be short-lived. And one should also remember that currently tempers are running short in this country and that there are millions of impatient people out there, waiting and watching.