Mega still says no to presidential debate

Mega still says no to presidential debate

JAKARTA (JP): Popular politician Megawati Soekarnoputri
reiterated on Thursday her refusal to take part in a presidential
debate because she was afraid the event would turn into a
mindless argument, a party official said.

The chief and presidential candidate of the Indonesian
Democratic Party of Struggle (PDI Perjuangan) was quoted by the
party's secretary-general Alex Litaay as saying that Indonesia is
run on a political system where debates do not determine the
favorability of a presidential candidate.

"Such debates have no effect on who will become the next
president. Our system is different from that in United States. We
use representation democracy here," Alex told the media after a
meeting between three proreform parties in Jakarta on Thursday.

Alex revealed a number of reasons that Megawati cited to
defend her nonparticipation in the debate, planned for April 27,
that will feature rival politicians including Amien Rais and
Yusril Ihza Mahendra.

"Such a debate, with limited time and audience, for us, is not
effective ... it is likely such a debate would grow into an ugly,
senseless discussion ... So why waste time doing it?" Alex said.

He reiterated that each party had its own strategies to win
people's support for its presidential candidate. Megawati's
refusal, he insisted, would not lessen the party's popularity or
harm its image.

Asked whether Megawati's refusal was out of fear of facing
Amien in the debate, Alex replied: "No, no. If some people think
that Megawati is afraid of the challenge, let them."

Amien Rais, chairman of the National Mandate Party (PAN), is
among a few who have repeatedly called for a debate among
presidential hopefuls, in order to educate the public about their
capabilities.

"There is no guarantee that a dashing orator in a debate
would be a good president, because it all depends on the Cabinet
and the formation of the legislative bodies, too," Alex noted.

"This nation needs a strong, tested leader with continuous
commitment to democracy and justice. Megawati has shown she
possesses this quality," he said.

"Our party has consistently fought for (democracy) ... the
most important thing is work, not talk only," he said.

"It's not true (that Megawati is unable to articulate her
ideas). Her opinions and thoughts are very deep. And everywhere
she goes, people's support for her is tremendous."

Besides Amien and Yusril of the Crescent Star Party (PBB),
other presidential hopefuls to take part in the debate are Didin
Hafidhuddin of the Justice Party (PK), Sri Bintang Pamungkas of
the Indonesian Democratic Union Party (PUDI) and Budiman
Sudjatmiko of the Democratic People's Party (PRD).

The organizer, Forum Salemba, is working on a permit from the
Ministry of Justice for Budiman to leave Cipinang Penitentiary in
East Jakarta, where he is incarcerated for subversive activities
during Soeharto's New Order regime, long enough to take part in
the debate.

Meanwhile, Minister of Justice Muladi said separately the
government would grant amnesty to Budiman and other political
prisoners. But he warned the government, not the prisoners, would
set the condition for the release planned to be carried out
before August.

The minister pointed out the amnesty covered also Acehnese
separatist rebels.

"Budiman may make demands, but it is the government that will
make the final decision," Muladi said after meeting with
President B.J. Habibie at the Merdeka Palace.

Muladi has turned down Budiman's demand to be freed as a part
of general amnesty to all political prisoners saying the
government has never practiced such legal step. Habibie, however
promised to grant general amnesty to Acehnese prisoners and
rebels.

Muladi also indicated that Budiman would not have a chance to
be nominated as his party's candidate for the parliament in the
next general election.

"When he is still in jail he can not be nominated," said
Muladi.

Separately, Antara quoted A.M. Saefuddin, a leader of the
United Development Party (PPP), as saying he was standing by his
earlier rejection of the nomination of a woman for president.

"Some say a woman cannot be nominated for president, while
others consider it permissible. I am of the first view,"
Saefuddin, also a minister of food and horticulture, said.
(edt/prb)