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