Controversy on election

From Republika

There has been such a fuss recently about whether the civil servants corps (Korpri) are compelled to vote for Golkar in the general election.

What severe headaches I get reading the contrary opinions on the subject. Things in violation of the law happen so easily in this country. On the one hand, the right of civil servants as citizens is recognized. On the other it is practically nullified due to the esprit de corps imposed. A civil servant's career could fall to pieces and there would be no guilt felt on the part of the enforcers who trample other citizens' rights.

Much has been written on sexual violation, but actually other kinds of violations have often taken place in this country. It is very distressing indeed that 50 years is not sufficient to enforce the law properly, i.e. to enforce justice and equality before the law for each citizen. When will our situation change?

The culture of unity-in-diversity should be developed from the start, i.e. we should all learn to differ in opinion, however sharp the difference. We should respect other people's opinions without becoming foes. Why do not we return to the right path?

Let us, fellow countrymen, repair the things which need mending for our safety and that of our progeny. We feel so ashamed in front of our neighbors who are so orderly in law, justice and humanity. We have Pancasila, the first principle of which is God Almighty. God created men with all their differences. Do respect those differences because they are God's mercy.

W. PIENANDORO

Cimanggis, Bogor