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