Akbar, guilty but determined

Akbar, guilty but determined

From Gatra

Owing to his undue love of his position and party, House of
Representatives (DPR) Speaker Akbar Tandjung, who has been
convicted of graft, firmly maintains the attitude that he is
innocent. He feels he reserves the right to function as House
speaker.

Several of his Golkar Party supporters support his leadership.
In their view, whatever happens, Akbar must be protected,
defended, considered clean and worthy of the post of DPR speaker.
In this way, there is solidarity among his cronies toward Akbar,
whom they see as being condemned.

When he was tried and sentenced, Akbar was at the helm of the
legislative body, therefore it is assumed he should be wiser than
the people he represents. Therefore, he should now set a good
example and act like a teacher whose behavior is worthy of
emulating.

Akbar's wrongdoing is in fact obvious: there was a proposal in
his name to help the poor but the aid failed to reach its target
though the fund was disbursed. He knew he was responsible for it.

At least he was aware of the check worth Rp 40 billion for a
purpose under his charge, but he has refused to acknowledge this.
According to him, a foundation had passed on the aid, which was
not the case. The fund, later returned, proved this.

As a law abiding citizen Akbar should serve the prison term.
He deserves judicial as well as political punishment. Our country
is in a position to punish its guilty leaders.

SUPRIYANTO, Bekasi, West Java