I can see clearly now

I can see clearly now

During my brief stay in the western Australian city of Perth,
I sent a couple of letters which found their way into the letters
column of this newspaper.

To Mr. Yaluritja of Koondoola, West Australia, who happens to
be a subscriber of The Jakarta Post, I would like to apologize
for the fact that I did not write enough about the plight of the
aboriginal people of that country. But I would like to assure Mr.
Yaluritja (the Post, June 28, 2000) that I was and still am aware
of their past and present aspirations, including their historical
and cultural rights.

The main purpose of my visit to Australia was, however, a
medical check-up, and I only wrote about my superficial
impressions of the country and was not planning to make a study
of Australian political or cultural life.

Yes, the name of the Australian prime minister I interviewed
in 1976 about East Timor was not John Fraser, but Malcolm Fraser.
John was Fraser's press secretary and I often confuse the names.

About the kangaroos, it is correct that they do not lay eggs,
but give birth in the way common among mammals. At the time I
wrote that, I was perhaps drinking too much Australian wine.

Maybe the Conservative Party, to which Malcolm Fraser
belonged, will also forgive me for my forgetfulness or
carelessness. So far, I have not received any reaction from the
kangaroos or the koalas.

I came to Australia to have my eye lenses replaced with
artificial lenses, because I was diagnosed with cataracts. The
Lion International-sponsored Eye Center in Perth, under the
direction of internationally reputed Professor Ian Constable,
performed the operation on me with success. Now I no longer need
to wear glasses.

I also underwent surgery at the private Holywood Hospital for
cardiac irregularities. The surgery was performed by Dr. Cope. I
met a number of Indonesians seeking the services of both
institutes. Actually, similar facilities are available in
Indonesia and you do not need to travel to Australia to check
your eyes or heart.

GANDHI SUKARDI

Jakarta