Guess What?

Guess What?

His disappointment with the General Elections Commission's
(KPU) slow performance -- which led to his resignation as
commission deputy chairman -- has not changed Harun Alrasid's
idealism.

The 69-year-old professor of constitutional law is as busy as
always, not only teaching in various universities, but also as
seminar speaker.

"I will ngasong (become a vendor), I will return as asongan
speaker," he told The Jakarta Post at a seminar in Yogyakarta
last week, referring to his activity as a seminar speaker.

"It's better than in KPU, but it keeps breaking promises to
people. It's better to resign and ngasong in seminars."

He said that becoming a seminar speaker did not earn him much
money as sometimes seminar organizers, mostly university
students, did not pay him at all.

Earning Rp 2 million as a KPU member was better, although 50
percent of his salary went to his party, the Islamic Community
Party. "But it's OK. I'm not materialistic, I'm an idealist,"
said Harun.

He resigned from the KPU out of frustration over repeated
delays in the poll results announcement. His move was considered
by many as an example of a responsible official.

Harun blamed the KPU's slow work on a lack of teamwork among
members.

"Actually, once they were installed as KPU members, their
loyalty to their parties should have ended and their loyalty to
the KPU and the nation begin," Harun said.

But for the person to be appointed his replacement, Harun
urged him or her to end their loyalty to their party and replace
it with loyalty to the KPU, people and the nation.

"If it's necessary, if you think you won't make it, quit from
the KPU like I did.".(44/ste)