Leadership and integrity

One of The Jakarta Post's headlines on Feb. 19 was ABRI formally nominates Habibie, concerning the next vice presidency term. This makes him the only candidate that will be "considered" by the People's Consultative Assembly.

To Mr. Habibie, if you don't mind, I would like to share your happiness by giving a tip regarding leadership. Once I read in a magazine a quote that has a very deep meaning.

General Norman Schwarzkopf, the U.S. marine general who commanded the Gulf War said: "Leadership is a combination of integrity and strategy, if you must be without one, be without strategy."

He said these words when he briefed his subordinates during the Gulf War. I believe they are still relevant to us, because we are actually in a "war" right now. We are fighting in a war against dollar speculators, corruptors, nepotism, etc., which have caused our international reputation to plunge.

The best way to regain our good reputation and confidence is to have a leader of high integrity. Our dependence on foreign countries is very strong, therefore, the key word is integrity for our leaders.

M SULHAN ASKANDAR

Jakarta