Change of character!

Change of character!

From Rakyat Merdeka

It would not require a great deal of complex thought for our leaders to understand the aspirations of the people. The people do not need the total reform the prodemocracy movement has been touting. High-sounding dreams are not necessary if they never translate into reality.

What the people need is security and political stability. What is a prodemocracy movement for if it only stirs commotion and spreads animosity among the people? If this is the case, what difference is there between the prodemocracy movement and the earlier antidemocracy drive of the communists. Both sought to control power.

The people's message is loud and clear. There must be an end to political and security instability. Act with an iron hand to restore order and security and increase the welfare of the people and nobody will object. I agree with the coordinating minister for political, social and security affairs, Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono, that continued political and security instability will only hamper the inflow of foreign investment and international aid.

Economic growth requires political and security stability.

As President, it is necessary for Abdurrahman Wahid to foster cooperation among the political elite and state institutions in order that the message of the people can be translated into reality.

After returning from his haj pilgrimage, Abdurrahman must make his main priority stabilizing the country's political and security sectors. He must not let himself be part of the present political hullabaloo. If he thinks he cannot change his character and habits, it would be better for him to stay out of the sphere power. If this is the case, Abdurrahman must return the presidential mandate given to him by the people, through the People's Consultative Assembly, in a respectable manner, and remain a democrat who will continue to be remembered by the people.

PEPEN SUDJANA

Bogor, West Java