Habibie's compliance with the law

Former president BJ Habibie, who has been in Germany for a long time, is only one of a few of people who enjoy social privileges in this country. Yet, he also appears to be one of the few state officials, be they incumbent or former, to set a good example in complying with the law.

Compliance with the law is a complicated issue. There are so many examples of convicts and suspects violating the law for various reasons.

Being sick and abroad are two arguments that can easily cause the collapse of all truths, honesty and execution of the law. Corruptors and criminals who always look healthy and spend their time on a golf course can suddenly fall sick upon being named witnesses or suspects.

All the paperwork that a sick person needs can be quickly obtained, such as a doctor's certificate and a variety of recommendations. Suspects who have been in good condition all these years can abruptly become pale and lame. Yet, they look healthy as soon as they obtain considerations, for instance, house arrest instead of detention.

A number of business magnates have siphoned off state money but have peacefully enjoy their sickness in Singapore or Japan.

Amid rampant corruption, Habibie voluntarily returned from abroad. He has visited the Attorney General's Office as a witness in a case involving a former minister of his, Akbar Tandjung. Habibie, who has been living in the "untouchable" world, voluntarily returned to "the valley of plight".

Government officials, business magnates and entrepreneurs, including generals, should be ashamed of themselves to see Habibie complying with the law. When the spirit of the corps, social-individual egotism and self-centered perception have turned into the hoodlums of truths, former president Habibie, now 66 years old, an age that would allow him to plausibly state that he is ill, has demonstrated proper compliance with the law.

Being sick and staying abroad are the two excuses most rulers and businessmen have used as a pretext for running away. Habibie, however, did not make use of these excuses. So, his compliance with the law is really exemplary.

-- Media Indonesia, Jakarta