A test for Habibie

A test for Habibie

On the first anniversary of the current Habibie administration
last May, discussions were held to rate the performance of the
President's Reform Cabinet. In the areas of politics and freedom
Habibie scored pretty well. His lowest score was in eradicating
corruption, collusion and nepotism -- a task that was
specifically entrusted to him by the People's Consultative
Assembly.

After a long lapse of time during which the public waited for
him to act, Habibie, for some reason, has now found the courage
to exercise his power and act on his moral convictions: The Bank
Bali scandal constitutes a blemish to his reputation. It not only
offends the public's sense of justice, it also impairs Habibie's
personal integrity.

Habibie's order to concerned government agencies to resolve
this case in a week's time constitutes a rare display of courage.
This incident provides welcome momentum for Habibie, who is
currently seeking to be elected President by the next Assembly.

If this Bank Bali scandal ends the same way as other scandals
which have offended the public's sense of justice, Habibie had
better rethink his intention of running for the presidency, and
instead openly admit his failure to fight corruption and
establish the supremacy of law.

-- Media Indonesia, Jakarta