A new vice president

From Rakyat Merdeka

A city' daily on July 2, 2001 ran a report on Caucus Iramasuka proposing three candidates for the post of vice president after Mega becomes president to replace President Abdurrahman "Gus Dur" Wahid when the latter's accountability report is rejected at the special session of the People's Consultative Assembly (MPR). The three names are: Ryaas Rasyid, A. A. Baramuli, and Hamzah Haz.

Regardless of who garners support to be nominated as vice president, the following are absolutely essential: 1. Transparency in the election process. 2. Pragmatic selection criteria in line with the nation's socio- economic and security conditions. 3. Qualifications suited to the challenges and needs of the nation.

The next vice president should care about and cater for all of the nation's interests not only representing the interests of Indonesia's eastern region. If we are able to elect a president and vice president who are really capable of addressing the nation's issues, they will certainly be able to develop the underdeveloped areas all over Indonesia so that they will eventually be on a par with other regions.

In the course of Indonesia's history, we have had leaders in strategic positions representing the eastern provinces of the country such as the former minister of industry Gen. (ret) M. Yusuf and even B.J Habibie, who was minister of research and technology for more than 20 years before becoming President. However, what we are in dire need of is a national figure who can solve the problems besieging the nation and free the people from crises.

Caucus Iramasuka is perceived by many as an agent of the political elite disguised as working for the interests of the people of the eastern regions of Indonesia.

DEWI PUSPITA

Tasikmalaya, West Java