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