A message from Mega

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.