Legislative candidates
Legislative candidates
From Merdeka
A Merdeka reporter's interview with A. Baramuli, a seasoned
politician and Deputy Chairman of the National Commission on
Human Rights, which appeared Jan. 24, 1997 under the title They
should withdraw themselves, has come to our attention.
It speaks for itself that this observation was made on the
grounds of Baramuli's 20-year experience as a house
representative and after reading the temporary list of candidates
(DCS).
Baramuli has the ability to gauge public aspirations and the
courage to wield control as a member of the legislative body. His
reasons for doing so and his appeal make sense, bearing in mind
the important functions of public and state, in order to realize
Pancasila Democracy in government.
Because the candidates gained a place in the temporary
election list through their election organizations after a tight
selection, his appeal to withdraw from the scene, was regarded as
ethical.
The public still has a chance to file their objections about
house candidates making the temporary list, as long as valid
reasons and proof can be provided. However, since there are many
obscure legislative candidates representing the people, it
becomes more difficult for people in the districts to evaluate
their choice.
The best judges of the candidates' acumen are the candidates
themselves. Baramuli's appeal, therefore, is quite justified.
Quite rightly, legislative candidates should not be motivated by
salary prospects or hefty honorariums.
The post of the house of representatives, and that of a state
official, is often misused in the course of personal interest.
If that was the only reason behind it all, aspirations of the
public and their interests would not be served, which would
result in social unrest, to quote Amien Rais.
We are striving for an election that might realize Pancasila
democracy in the true sense of the word. As aptly expressed in
these words, by the people, for the people, which should not be
mere hollow words.
AMIEN OETORO
Bandung, West Java