Disintegration of political parties

Disintegration of political parties

From Rakyat Merdeka

Internal conflicts currently prevailing in some political
parties should not be taken lightly. In the United Development
Party (PPP), the Hamzah Haz camp is opposed by that of Zainuddin
MZ. In the National Awakening Party (PKB), Alwi Shihab disagrees
with Matori Abdul Djalil. Some friction has also hit the
Indonesian Democratic Party of Struggle (PDI Perjuangan), even
though it is less serious than that of other parties. So, who is
benefiting from such a situation? It's no other than the members
of the Golkar Party: They will laugh a hearty laugh at them.

People should realize that the stagnation of the present
reform agenda has been caused by the emergence of Golkar as
runner-up in the 1999 general election. As a result, the New
Order culture is still prevalent.

Actually, reform elements have an unwritten joint commitment
to push Golkar to seventh position or even lower in the 2004
general election.

Originally, PKB, as the third-placed party in the 1999 general
election, had a chance to take over Golkar's position. Yet, the
disputes between Alwi Shihab and Matori have frustrated this
expectation. So, Golkar people can laugh heartily as they still
have a chance to remain as runner-up. With its abundant assets,
Golkar could even take first position in 2004.

PPP had, at the beginning, a chance to upgrade its position
as, understandably, Hamzah Haz became vice president.
Unfortunately, Hamzah is too afraid of losing his opportunity in
the next general election so he has violated his party's statutes
and by-laws. Zainuddin appears to have no leadership talent.
Meanwhile, it has become hard to reconcile the two of them. So,
who will benefit? Again, it's Golkar.

Therefore, the political elite and reform elements should
unite and make a concerted effort to save this nation from
crumbling, as immorality has been rife in our society.

SAL SETIAWAN

Jakarta