Leave the cabinet
Leave the cabinet
At least two questions beg to be answered regarding the
statement of Coordinator Minister for Political and Security
Affairs Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono and Coordinating Minister for
People's Welfare Jusuf Kalla that they would leave the Cabinet as
soon as they are officially named presidential candidates for the
July elections. Government officials who plan to contest the
national elections are also expected to follow suit.
Minister of Justice and Human Rights Yusril Ihza Mahendra has
also expressed interest in going up against Megawati, and thus he
must also fulfill the same obligation. Along with other
aspirants, they will challenge incumbent President Megawati
Soekarnoputri in the country's first direct presidential
elections.
The first question is in regards timing. As Susilo and Jusuf
have publicly announced their presidential ambitions, why should
they wait until the last minute to leave the Cabinet? This
behavior might give a strong impression that the ministers do not
want to risk leaving the privileges they had enjoyed in the
Cabinet.
The newly established Democratic Party (Partai Demokrasi) has
announced its patron, Susilo, as its presidential candidate, but
he can only contest the race if the party wins at least 3 percent
of votes in the legislative election on April 5.
It is widely speculated that many other parties are also
keeping Susilo's name in their pockets as a potential nominee.
Some observers even say that the retired general only needs give
other parties the nod if he would be satisfied with the vice
presidency. Many people are impressed with the Susilo's
performance as a minister under President Abdurrahman Wahid, then
Megawati, although many also doubt his achievements.
Jusuf, on the other hand, is now on the list among seven
possible Golkar candidates. The party has decided that its final
selection would be made only after the April election.
Still, it would not only be more dignified, but also more
statesmanlike for both Susilo and Kalla to abandon their
government posts now, as they have made up their minds to run for
president. They must take the risk and not just play safe.
Remaining in the cabinet means that they are the incumbent
President's men, and that they would be willing to share
Megawati's platform for the next five years assuming that she
wins the election.
In this context, they must take part in the government's
public accountability, at least morally. There is enough time for
the two ministers to set an example for the nation by showing
that they truly intend to run for the presidency to serve the
country, and not just to realize their personal political
ambitions.
As the current cabinet's term is up in October, the two need
not worry that their absence will affect the government's
performance significantly. Megawati can appoint new ministers to
the vacant positions, or have others take over them.
The second question is in regards the President, who is also
chairperson of the Indonesian Democratic Party of Struggle (PDI-
P), and Vice President Hamzah Haz, chairman of the United
Development Party (PPP).
The two parties have endorsed their respective leaders to run
for president. It is natural that Megawati and Hamzah are to
campaign for their parties in the legislative election, the
result of which will determine their political future. In July,
Megawati, and possibly also Hamzah, will contest the presidential
election.
Should Megawati and Hamzah then resign from their current
positions as demanded by some parties? Or should they just take a
brief leave of absence during their party campaigns, as suggested
by Hamzah?
First of all, it is unrealistic to demand that the two leaders
abandon their posts to campaign in April and July. It is nothing
new that party leaders become heads of state -- this has happened
in the United Kingdom, Japan, Germany and many other countries.
What the nation needs is clear campaigning rules for state
officials, including the president and vice president. They are
not to use state facilities or to receive special treatment in
any form while campaigning. When touring the regions, only their
party members may accommodate their visit -- not local government
officials. No excuses or pretexts that would break these
conditions must be tolerated.
To reiterate, Susilo and Jusuf, as well as Yusril, should
leave the cabinet immediately if they want to realize their
presidential ambitions. They must set an example for the people
and be ready to sacrifice all state privileges entailing their
current posts.
As for Megawati and Hamzah, there is no need for them to
resign just to hit the campaign trail. But it is the
responsibility of the entire nation, not just the General
Elections Commission (KPU), to ensure that neither use any state
facilities while campaigning. We must trust that the two are
fully aware of the distinction between their party and state
duties.