Gus Dur and his ministers

The polemic about the recent dismissal of two ministers has become excessive, as though the interests of the political parties represented by the ministers were above those of the nation.

President Abdurrahman Wahid (Gus Dur) explained the reason for letting the ministers go when he was asked to do so by the House of Representatives. Gus Dur was obliged to respond. He showed a lot of wisdom by requesting that the answers be given in a closed session with the House. He said there was the suspicion of collusion, corruption and nepotism by the ministers.

Regardless of whether the suspicion was justified, Gus Dur was entitled to discharge assistants whom he suspected of mistakes. If a boss holds doubts about his assistants, how can the work atmosphere be normal? A boss is certainly not obligated to show proof of his suspicion because suspicion is based on mere indications.

In his reply on the reason for the dismissal of the two ministers, Gus Dur did not disparage the ministers' reputation because the reply was given in a closed session with the House.

The problem is how and why a discussion in a closed session became public knowledge.

CAHYO WIBOWO

Bogor, West Java