House members' severance pay

House members' severance pay

From Merdeka

I was horrified after reading a report that House of Representatives (DPR) members will receive severance pay of Rp 200 million because their term, originally to last until 2002, will be cut short. They will also receive retirement pay calculated until 2002. The matter is being discussed in the House's administrative office.

It is highly ironical that at present this nation is trying its utmost to overcome the drawn-out economic crisis, to eradicate the leakages and to introduce economizing in all fields. The government will have to pay the people's representatives 500 times Rp 200 million, equaling Rp 100 billion. Additionally, there are monthly payments of Rp 5 million and recess allowances.

Let us remember the General Assembly in March last year. The respected council loudly announced its agreement to propose H.M. Soeharto for the presidency again, although they knew it was not in accordance with the people's wishes. As the people's representatives they should have listened to and channeled the people's aspirations. Thus, they must accept the situation as the result of their work and as their responsibility.

They should be aware that being House members is something to be proud of. It is not like office work. They should consider their time spent as dedication to the nation. They should not make a loss-profit account because the compensation they receive is a honorarium and not a salary.

In the remaining time, the respected House members should crown their work with the passing of laws and regulations that are honest and just for the implementation of the next general election. They should not again take the sides of certain group interests. They should also solve all problems with wisdom and in fairness.

G. VERIKO

Jakarta