Games gripe

Games gripe

From Sinar

The SEA Games, the great sports event for Southeast Asian
nations, is approaching. I am proud that my country actively
nurtures friendly relations with neighboring countries. My pride
is even greater because Indonesia assumed the task of hosting
this prestigious event from Brunei Darussalam, which was unable
to do it.

But why should the people be burdened with the expenditure for
the Games? When the government decided to take over the games'
organization, the public was not involved. Yet it is the public
which appears to be forced into financing the Games through
additional payments, exacted on telephone and electricity bills,
and airport taxes.

Don't get me wrong. I do not balk at participation in
government activities. But to force people to contribute is
completely indefensible. This obviously disregards the public's
right to express an opinion and disdainfully views people as
passive citizens.

I hope the authorities will abolish this detrimental policy.

Name and address

known to the editor