'I don't like people being dishonest'

Legislator Alvin Lie Ling Pao, 39, is one of few Chinese- Indonesian politicians. His consistent criticism toward President Abdurrahman Wahid for his alleged involvement in two financial scandals known as Bruneigate and Buloggate brings the man, who holds a master degree in international marketing from Stratchclyde University in Glasgow, into the media spotlight.

The father of three, owner of PT Sarana Sehat -- a distributor of traditional medicine PT Ny. Meneer, and the Central Java representative for the National Mandate Party (PAN) shares his personal views on life with The Jakarta Post's Emmy Fitri Hastuti on Friday.

If you had a choice, what would you be doing right now?

Relaxing at home. Taking time to listen to music and reading news magazines. I enjoy all kinds of music but the choice depends on my mood. I can even appreciate dangdut music.

What characteristics do you like about yourself?

I think my passion for challenge that gives me the fire to carry on despite the bitter things in life; my attitude of not being afraid of failure and to stand up again when I fall.

What characteristics do you dislike about yourself?

Probably my impatience and sometimes my temper, especially when I get angry. I think I have to learn how to control my temper, otherwise I will lose more than just my temper.

What makes you angry?

When people are dishonest with me, secondly when my family are insulted and thirdly when people physically hurt me.

And what makes you cry?

I do cry. I think the last time I cried was when I visited my brother in San Fransisco to attend his graduation day after being apart for more than 10 years. The last time I saw him he was just a kid. At the time I met him, he had already grown up and had a life of his own. I had just visited him for about a week and I realized that we had to go our separate ways again and go on with our own lives. I got carried away by my emotions as I didn't know when we would be able to reunite again. My younger brother is very close to me. He was sent to study in Singapore when he was only five years old.

What would you like to change about your appearance?

That is definitely out of the question. Nothing. I haven't even changed my hair style for many years. I only trust one beauty salon in Semarang where I get my hair cut. It is called New Look. I have been their customer for almost 10 years.

One time I had my hair permed, but it didn't last for long. I want to be practical. It should be easy for maintenance sake.

Whom do you most admire?

Seriously I have been asked that question many times and the answer is always the same, not a single person in particular. I look at every person in a balanced manner with their pluses and their minuses. Not a single person.

Well, but if we are talking about politicians, I have to mention Amien Rais (Chairman of the National Mandate Party). If not for him, his role in the reform movement and his ideas, I would have not joined this party.

What do you like to wear?

Depends on the occasion, I think. I like casual clothes.

Are you an Internet user?

I am a registered Internet user but I don't open my e-mail frequently. It has been a month because I find it very time consuming. You can imagine we have to sort out junk mail and every time I open the Internet to check my e-mails, 30 minutes goes by. I cannot afford to lose time for nothing like that.

What is the last book you read?

Do you mean thoroughly -- the entire book? I normally read the parts which are relevant to my needs. I don't have the luxury of time to read the whole book. Mine are mostly reference books. The last one was a book on Law No 31/1991 on Corruption Eradication.

What is the last movie you watched?

I have not gone to the cinema for many years. I don't even watch videos or VCDs (Video Compact Discs).

But I remember the last movie I watched, I think it was one of the James Bond films. I can't remember the title. I am not a movie fan. I don't remember the title; it was a long time ago.

What is the quality of true friendship?

It is easy to say that a friend in need is a friend indeed. In real life, it is very difficult to really find friends who will go through the thick and thin of life with you. True friends are able to comfort you while at the same time maintain confidentiality; to give you support and always remind you not to be overjoyed when you achieve success.

Do you have any true friends now?

Not many. I can say few and mostly from the past. I am very fortunate to have them.

What is your favorite food?

Tahu Sumedang (Sumedang tofu).

What three things you would take with you if you stranded on a deserted island?

Number one is probably my underwear, I can't imagine myself naked on that island. Then, any kind of survival tools like a knife or whatever because I think we have to survive on the island.

And a set of stationary with which I can jot down everything which comes to mind; and the most important thing, people will be able to read my will if I die on the island. I think that is realistic.

How do you want to be remembered?

Simple. I want to be known as a sincere and good person.