Choosing the right president

Choosing the right president

From Koran Tempo

In response to the statement made by Faction Deputy Chairman of The Indonesian Democratic Party of Struggle Suparlan, who demanded that the People's Consultative Assembly (MPR) apologize for not having elected the right president, I would like to give my own views as follows.

This statement is utterly correct and wise given the fact that the MPR, considered to be the highest body in Indonesia responsible for electing the president, must be held accountable for its collective blunder.

An apology made by the MPR to the people will become significant, considering such a blunder has not only made the common people suffer, but also been in direct contravention of the Constitution that states that the president must be mentally and physically healthy.

Both MPR and Gus Dur have knowingly committed a grave offense, so it would be proper and wise if, in the coming special session, the MPR were to issue a formal apology to the people.

Similarly Gus Dur, in his accountability report, should also do likewise for having accepted the position of president, already knowing about his limitations that did not qualify him to do the job. These facts are grossly against the content and spirit of the 1945 Constitution.

Before the special session is convened, it would be much better if all members of the political elite and the MPR members in particular were to think carefully, so that we do not make a fatal mistake again in choosing a president and vice president.

The people would like to see a positive result from the special session which, at the same time, should become a means to foster harmony amongst the people, and not simply a vehicle for power-sharing among political parties. All of us should exhibit statesmanship.

LUKMA SYAMRA

Jakarta