Mega's Cabinet

Mega's Cabinet

There is obviously much talk about who will be a member of the
new Megawati Cabinet, and no doubt all political parties will
come up with their ideas, their nominations and their
recommendations. This is understandable and I'm sure Megawati
will be grateful for any help she can get in this respect. That
said one can only reflect on the past disasters that was the
reign of former president Abdurrahman Wahid and hope that all
concerned have learned from that experience that the way forward
is to start using some common sense. The best man for the job
must be the selection priority of every single member of the
People's Consultative Assembly, irrespective of the political
allegiance.

Any person or political party that considers that they have a
divine right to have their people selected, without questioning
the capabilities of the nominated or alternative candidates,
needs to seriously consider resignation. Already over the past
year the politicians in this country have totally wasted valuable
time in relentless bickering, in a power struggle that has
disappointed every single Indonesian in this country.

It has been a performance of disgrace and one that surely
cannot be repeated. The word "elite" is rapidly becoming a joke
in these islands, and it is high time that the entire House of
Representatives realize that their main objective is to work
together in rebuilding this nation to a level where the people
can hold up their heads and be proud of their country and its
achievements. These achievements can only materialize if those
at the helm are not only qualified, but also people of integrity,
passion and vision.

To even consider that ministers should be viewed as pieces of
cake is an insult to the electorate, especially at a time
when they have for 20 months tolerated the antics and humiliation
that has been the past administration. It is time for all those
in the House to come to terms with their ultimate
responsibilities -- one of which is to serve the people of this
nation -- and another is to start using some common sense and
make some sensible and worthwhile decisions.

Many people in this country are now looking for a new
beginning and it would help if the House would first seek and
understand the vision of Megawati herself, then at least they
would have a better idea of how to help her. Whatever happened to
gotong royong (mutual help)?

DAVID WALLIS

Medan, North Sumatra