Candidate for vice president

As the election year approaches, people begin to think about who will be the next vice president of Indonesia. Being a longtime well-wisher of Indonesia and an admirer of President Soeharto, I want to express my opinion on the subject. I hope it will be taken as a lighter comment, because my knowledge of local politics is limited.

First, I want to state again, as expressed before in the letters column, that all Indonesians do not fully realize how lucky they are to be blessed with a genius of a leader in President Soeharto. Such a leader comes on the nation's scene in a generation. I hope that Soeharto will continue to guide the destiny of Indonesia as long as he wishes and his health permits. His contribution and focus on national unity, stability, religious tolerance and economic development will remain forever enshrined in the hearts and minds of his people.

State Minister of Research and Technology B.J. Habibie, General (ret) Soemitro and others have commented on the race for vice president. One agrees with the minister that only God knows what will happen in the future. Mr. Habibie is an Indonesian genius. He has done a remarkable job as the head of research and technology and he seems to be very happy in this position, to be free to act as he wishes. In my opinion, although Mr. Habibie is very well qualified, he will be uncomfortable in the position of vice president. Most research scientists feel that way.

During the painful period of 1965 and 1966, President Soeharto received support from all quarters, particularly from ABRI and student activists -- the 1966 Generation.

Soeharto has always been thankful for the support. I believe that in order to formally recognize the services of the 1966 Generation, it will be appropriate, as a symbol, to consider a former student activist, Mr. Fahmi Idris, to be the next vice president of Indonesia. I am sure Bapak Soeharto will make the correct decision, as always.

M. KHALIQ QURESHI

Jakarta