Attorney General Singgih: Beware of radical groups

JAKARTA (JP): Attorney General Singgih warned yesterday of small but radical groups plotting drastic changes to the state political system.

Speaking in the South Kalimantan capital of Banjarmasin, Singgih said such groups would use the upcoming 1997 general election to launch their zealous activities.

"We realize that as the election campaign draws near, the political climate heightens. Thus astuteness is necessary," said Singgih as he installed the chief of the provincial prosecutor's office.

As reported by Antara Singgih said the issues highlighted by these groups would generally be aimed at discrediting the New Order government under President Soeharto.

This could be done by dramatizing issues of economic and social disparity, he said.

Singgih did not identify groups but the government has recently been getting tough on a number of non-governmental organizations and pointed to the existence of "formless organizations."

Jakarta banned the Democratic People's Party (PRD) and affiliated organizations claiming they instigated the July 27th riots.

"Apart from social disparity these groups would also focus on matters such as the environment, human rights, democratization, (political) openness. This will create public distrust in the government thereby creating social turmoil which could threaten the safety of the state," Singgih said.

He urged all law enforcement and court officers to remain alert against these groups. Anticipation and action against these groups must be taken at the earliest possible stage, but in accordance with the law, he said.

Singgih warned members of the unsuspecting community to be wary and avoid being solicited by these groups.

The attorney general said professionalism and diligence would help counter these groups.

As Fuad Thalib was inaugurated as the new chief of the South Kalimantan provincial prosecutor's office, Singgih said there was a need for such qualities.

They are needed even more now as the nation prepares for the general election, Singgih said.

Fuad Thalib, formerly chief of Jambi provincial prosecutor's office, replaces Teuku Usman Basyah who begins retirement.

The law states that the chief of the provincial prosecutor's office also functions as head of the government's election monitoring committee.

Singgih said the role was important because in the current era any whiff of electoral impropriety was immediately scrutinized abroad.

"Any mistake in the election process would call into question the image of Pancasila democracy, not only on a national scale but also an international one," he said. (mds)