Legislators lack statesmanship

Legislators lack statesmanship

From Koran Tempo

Even with 500 intellectuals working as legislators, the House
of Representatives (DPR) still cannot pass the general elections
bill, and its approval has been postponed three times already.
The final solution for its ratification may be voting.

The bill is of vital importance and it should, of course, be
profoundly discussed. But a drawn-out debate gives rise to
concerns because, while respecting the intellectuality of DPR
members, the country still has a lot of professors, doctors and
non-partisan academicians. If the debate involves the substance
of the bill, a synergy between politicians and academicians can
provide a solution.

The complication is most likely due to the tug-of-war between
party, group and personal interests. Lobbies may serve as their
best means of communication, though a win-win solution is very
hard to achieve, with voting as a possible last resort.

Now, the fate of the elections bill depends on the conscience
of legislators, who are expected to relax their political
interests for a while and instead put their statesmanship to the
fore.

Otherwise, political instability and public apathy may entail.

AHMAD SYAIFUL
Jakarta

***