Mahfud's statement

Mahfud's statement

From Republika

On June 14, 2001, TPI aired its interactive dialog program called Pro and Con featuring Prof Dr. Yusril Ihza Mahendra, Mahadi Sinambela and Prof. Dr. Mahfud MD.

Mahfud MD gave an interesting and rational analysis, but one point must be underlined. He said, "... politics is power... and horse trading is OK in politics".

I'm afraid his words call for our contemplation. Mahfud apparently saw nothing wrong in his statement. This is evidence that our politicians are undergoing a moral crisis. Politicians are only after positions, personal gains and their party's interests, and these are all actually transient.

If this is the goal of politicians in this country, the principles of democracy and religion, and the people's plight will be ignored. Ironically, politicians hide their party and personal interests behind such statements such as, "For the sake of democracy, the common people and the law".

ADHIM ABD. H

Jakarta