Golkar cannot make people vote: Habibie

Golkar cannot make people vote: Habibie

UJUNGPANDANG, South Sulawesi (JP): Golkar cannot stop people
abstaining from voting although it strongly disapproves of it,
Golkar functionary B.J. Habibie said here yesterday.

The state minister of research and technology frowned before
admitting that everybody had the right to choose Golput (not to
vote).

"Don't think that Golkar will bother them. That's your right,"
Habibie said in response to a question from the 1000-strong
audience at a Golkar rally.

A recent survey at Hassanudin University concluded that over
30 percent of the university's 23,000 students would not vote in
the May 29 election.

Habibie lamented the survey's results. "If the results are
like that then I am ashamed.

"Still, Golkar's leadership won't obstruct you from choosing
Golput, Golkar or any other (party) because that's your right,"
he said.

Habibie then attacked the abstainers for being irresponsible
and politically immature. He said that deliberate non-voters did
not realize their rights and responsibilities.

"While it's true that you cannot be forced to vote, don't
forget your responsibility to ensure the continuation of
development," he said.

Parade

Meanwhile in Banjarmasin, South Kalimantan, Golkar campaigning
caused a five-kilometer spontaneous parade which caused traffic
jams for hours.

Antara reported that more than 10,000 vehicles carrying about
30,000 Golkar supporters poured onto Banjarmasin's streets.

The procession formed as the crowd left a rally, which had
featured Wardiman Djojonegoro as the main speaker. There were no
major incidents.

In his speech, Wardiman lashed back at people who had
arbitrarily called the bureaucracy corrupt.

"If all bureaucrats were corrupt how could this country have
developed. It would be in ruins by now," said Wardiman, the
minister of education and culture.

He said people should not generalize about the bureaucracy
because corruption also existed in the private sector.
"Corruption in the private sector is pretty big, but it isn't
really exposed," he said.

In Kendari, Southeast Sulawesi, Mar'ie Muhammad added a
placating tone to a rally by calling on people to pray often for
domestic security and peace.

"We must pray and beg for forgiveness more often and ask that
our nation always be safe," he said.

Mar'ie only spoke for 10 minutes so the singers Nia Daniaty
and Cucu Tjahyani had more time to entertain the 10,000-strong
crowd.

In last night's televised Golkar monologue, Golkar deputy
chairman Abdul Gafur defended his party's development policies.

"It is true there are still economic disparities, but this
doesn't mean the direction of our development is wrong," he said.

In a yellow suit, Gafur stressed Golkar's focus on the
country's future by saying that it wanted to augment the
education budget.

Golkar had emphasized the importance of the younger generation
which was proved by 25 percent of its legislature candidates
being from this generation, he said.

He then reaffirmed Golkar's commitment to continue supporting
the Armed Forces' dual role in politics and security. (30/31/mds)