Give Megawati a chance

Give Megawati a chance

From Koran Tempo

President Abdurrahman "Gus Dur" Wahid has repeatedly said that he would not step down and that he could not do so even if he had wanted to. His latest statement in this respect was made when he responded to KH Attabil Ali, who had quite wisely reminded him of the reality he was facing.

The reality is that Gus Dur has lost most of his political support and that the people are becoming increasingly frustrated with his administration.

It is true that its up to Gus Dur whether to accept any advice given to him but he must remember one thing though, God will answer the prayers of the underprivileged. Sooner or later, Gus Dur will have to step down.

The people now want to experience having a woman as president. By having different types of leaders, our nation will be enriched. Once we had a president who was smart, handsome and always smiling, but he was deeply involved in corruption. After him we had a technocrat as president. At present we have as president a smart but stubborn person who appears to be deaf to his people's aspirations.

After four male presidents, it is now time for a female head of state and government. So, the politicians at the House of Representatives should not block Megawati this time. They should allow Megawati to select a deputy who is professional and competent, and whom she can trust, so that she can lead this country until 2004.

ABDULLAH L

Semarang