Derogatory remarks

Derogatory remarks

"Indonesians do not have the ethics, attitude nor the
sensitivity to go nuclear...." Reading this letter from Mrs.
Conny Gafar, On nuclear plant (Feb. 26, 1996), I wondered whether
I was dreaming I was reading a 100-year-old newspaper from
colonial times.

Though she has a sound argument against going nuclear, her
remarks are not palatable. Having the Bhopal tragedy fresh in my
mind, I too cannot see nuclear power as an option for the time
being. However, a viewpoint should promote a better perspective
of an issue, and criticism or self-criticism should aim at
improvement.

A developing country with agrarian background and with massive
plans for industrialization will normally have some
businesspeople, politicians and officials that compromise ethics.
That doesn't mean that every person in the country is unethical.
I have met many officers who are sincere and honest, who extend a
helping hand and deserve respect. I find Gafar's remarks
objectionable and offending.

D. PRABHAKAR

Jakarta