Government told to improve performance
Government told to improve performance
BANDUNG (JP): A political observer has warned that the
government must improve its performance and be more responsive to
criticism.
Indria Samego of the National Institute of Science (LIPI) said
after speaking at a one-day seminar on Democratized Communication
at the Bandung-based Padjadjaran University on Monday that by not
responding to criticism the government had triggered
dissatisfaction among people at the grass roots level.
"The dissatisfaction could lead to efforts to bring down the
government," Samego said.
He also said that President Abdurrahman Wahid had been
inconsistent.
"The unclear steps in the implementation of economic and
political programs could be cited as more examples of the
shortcomings of Abdurrahman's administration."
According to Samego, Gus Dur (as the President is
affectionately called) could not free himself from New Order
influence.
"The recruitment of old faces in government institutions could
be cited as well. This has worsened the situation. In his six-
month administration Gus Dur has already faced charges of
corruption, collusion and nepotism."
Samego said during the first three years of his
administration, Soeharto had yet to recruit his cronies.
"The people could withdraw Gus Dur's legitimation if he does
not perform well," he said, warning that the students could
topple the government unconstitutionally if the government failed
to improve.
"That is very possible, if in the next two months the people
feel something wrong in the management of the government. Next
month when parents are busy finding schools for their children,
when fuel prices, electricity and telephone tariffs go up, people
will then be aware that they are the ones shouldering the burden,
while elitist politicians are playing around with jargon and
policy," Samego said.
He said than no one expected unconstitutional changes in the
government, yet people had hoped Gus Dur could cover his five-
year term of office smoothly. He added that Gus Dur must be aware
that the people will ask for his accountability. (25/sur)
BANDUNG (JP): A political observer has warned that the
government must improve its performance and be more responsive to
criticism.
Indria Samego of the National Institute of Science (LIPI) said
after speaking at a one-day seminar on Democratized Communication
at the Bandung-based Padjadjaran University on Monday that by not
responding to criticism the government had triggered
dissatisfaction among people at the grass roots level.
"The dissatisfaction could lead to efforts to bring down the
government," Samego said.
He also said that President Abdurrahman Wahid had been
inconsistent.
"The unclear steps in the implementation of economic and
political programs could be cited as more examples of the
shortcomings of Abdurrahman's administration."
According to Samego, Gus Dur (as the President is
affectionately called) could not free himself from New Order
influence.
"The recruitment of old faces in government institutions could
be cited as well. This has worsened the situation. In his six-
month administration Gus Dur has already faced charges of
corruption, collusion and nepotism."
Samego said during the first three years of his
administration, Soeharto had yet to recruit his cronies.
"The people could withdraw Gus Dur's legitimation if he does
not perform well," he said, warning that the students could
topple the government unconstitutionally if the government failed
to improve.
"That is very possible, if in the next two months the people
feel something wrong in the management of the government. Next
month when parents are busy finding schools for their children,
when fuel prices, electricity and telephone tariffs go up, people
will then be aware that they are the ones shouldering the burden,
while elitist politicians are playing around with jargon and
policy," Samego said.
He said than no one expected unconstitutional changes in the
government, yet people had hoped Gus Dur could cover his five-
year term of office smoothly. He added that Gus Dur must be aware
that the people will ask for his accountability. (25/sur)