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