Ismail calls Bintang's new party idea futile

Ismail calls Bintang's new party idea futile

JAKARTA (JP): Chairman of the United Development Party Ismail
Hasan Metareum says he has nothing against Sri Bintang
Pamungkas's plan to establish a new political party, but he
reminded his former colleague of the futility of his endeavor.

"I don't have any problem with his plan, but as long as the
law on politics is not changed, there's no way he can proceed,"
Ismail was quoted by Antara as saying in Bandar Lampung
yesterday.

"Change the law first," he said. "The law only recognizes
three parties, so unless the law is changed, nobody can establish
a new party."

He was responding to reports that Bintang, who was sacked by
the United Development Party (PPP) last year and was sentenced to
34 months in jail for defaming President Soeharto only last week,
was making preparations to establish a new party.

Bintang recently told The Jakarta Post that he has been
speaking to a number of groups, including some government
critics, former student leaders and non-governmental
organizations, about the plan's feasibility.

He said he is resolute in his decision.

Ismail was in Lampung to open a meeting at the local PPP
chapter. He told reporters that many people are now suffering
from a fear of politics because they have been intimidated by
"certain people".

"Many people are even afraid of joining political parties
because they are intimidated," he said. He declined to name the
intimidators.

Only the PPP and the Indonesian Democratic Party are described
as "political parties" while the ruling Golkar calls itself a
"functional group".

He described how government officials even at the lower level,
such as village chiefs, were instructed by their superiors to
make note of any resident who shows support for certain political
parties.

"We have to encourage people. They shouldn't be afraid,
because joining political parties is legal," he said. (swe)