Civil servants and politics

Civil servants and politics

From Pikiran Rakyat

It has been widely discussed whether civil servants can join or become a member of the executive board of a political party. In my opinion, we need to be pragmatic, to the effect that every citizen must be given a fair chance and freedom to channel his/her aspirations. It is much to be desired, without wasting time and energy, that civil servants should have the unconditional right to vote for and to join any party of their choice. However, many are anxious about the possibility that something negative will happen to those civil servants who are active in a certain political party.

In doing their work, the achievements of civil servants are assessed and used as a consideration for job promotions. So every employee makes great efforts to be eligible for such a promotion. Despite that internal situation, it is my fervent hope that civil servants are allowed to join a political party because every citizen has the right as well as the responsibility to contribute to his/her country. And there is nothing to fear since civil servants will not be equipped with arms, even though they are members of a political party.

SUDRAJAT

Tasikmalaya, West Java