Criteria for VP

Criteria for VP

From Pikiran Rakyat

As a man in the street who cannot convey his opinion in a formal or elite forum, I am compelled to write in the paper to present my views.

I would like to focus my opinion on the issue of the candidacy for the vice presidency prior to the general session of the People's Consultative Assembly scheduled for March 1998, disregarding who he/she may be.

Taking into account President Soeharto's age (if he were to be reelected as the next president), the vice president should meet the following criteria.

* The candidate must be a popular person, intelligent, charismatic, honest, dignified, and still in his/her prime and people oriented.

* The candidate should be physically and mentally fit and have the following subtle qualities: loyal, devout, sensitive, forbearing, resolute, firm, sincere, inspiring, bold, stern, exemplary, prompt, attentive and tolerant.

* Should have clear origin, good biography and background.

It would be commendable for the Vice President to become head of the State Intelligence Agency, having such authority as conducting investigation on malpractice and violations such as corruption, collusion, abuse of power and human rights transgressions.

R. RUKASA BRATAADISURIA

Cimahi, West Java