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