Consistent at being inconsistent

Consistent at being inconsistent

President Abdurrahman Wahid said recently that it was
premature to evaluate his government's performance after a period
of only 12 months. That statement is clear proof of how
consistent he is at being inconsistent.

Only some weeks later, Hamzah Haz resigned from the first
Cabinet following the President's allegation that some members
were involved in practices of corruption, collusion and nepotism.
Later, Jusuf Kalla and Laksamana Sukardi were fired only months
after serving in the National Unity Cabinet, under allegations
that they were not able to work together with other members.

However, he told legislators later that the two ministers were
involved in corruptive practices without giving any evidence.
Still recently, the President fired National Police chief Gen.
Rusdihardjo -- even without consulting the legislators -- after
only eight months in office. This may be legally right, but what
about the spirit of reform?

The President should remember that he got the mandate from the
People's Consultative Assembly (MPR). And therefore he should
always comply with the people's aspirations as represented by the
MPR, if he really is to retain the presidency until 2004.

One birthday, I got a greeting card in which was written:
"There are two ways of doing something... the wrong way, and my
way". I hope none of us take either way.

H.W. PIENANDORO

Bogor, West Java