Amien will make a good leader

I refer to the letter by Mrs. Hilde May that was published in The Jakarta Post on April 10, 2001 titled Amien a real disappointment.

Bapak Amien, as a member of the public, votes a new leader into power in an election. If the leader becomes corrupted once he is in office, are we to blame for his wrongdoings? Bapak Amien is against corruption. To be fair and unbiased, why don't you interview him? Many believe he will make a good leader.

Were all the citizens of the U.S.A. who voted for Richard Nixon in the elections wrong? I don't think so. The mistake was made by some Republican party members, but Mr. Nixon had to take responsibility and step down. That, in my mind, showed he was a good leader.

President Abdurrahman "Gus Dur" Wahid's administration has made so many blunders. The most recent example being the issue of importing 400 luxury cars for the G-5 summit. The administration engaged in corrupt, collusive and nepotistic practices soon after coming to office. The fact that Gus Dur was one of the last persons to meet Tommy Soeharto is another example. Gus Dur is accountable for his actions and should clarify them to the public.

If Bapak Amien Rais is not elected to the presidency in the 2004 general election, I am sad to say this beloved country of mine and its people prefer corruption above all else.

RIEN HARIANI

Jakarta