Megawati chides obsequious aides, groveling officials
Rita A. Widiadana and Fabiola Desy Unidjaja, The Jakarta Post, Bali/Jakarta
President Megawati Soekarnoputri rebuked sycophantic officials and aides in her government on Monday, accusing them of regularly submitting false reports to her, just to keep her happy.
But politicians once close to Megawati, blamed the fawning officials for the President's dislike of criticism.
Some of them, the President complained, have developed a locally known habit Asal Ibu Senang (keeping Madam happy).
"I don't want to see and hear such reports. If the situation is bad, then tell me the truth. The new phenomenon only follows the bad habit inherited from the New Order regime, popularly known as Asal Bapak Senang (keeping the boss happy)," Megawati said, when opening the Indolivestock and Fishery Conference and Exhibition in Nusa Dua resort complex on Wednesday.
During the powerful New Order regime of former president Soeharto, none of his Cabinet ministers would be brave enough to voice a different opinion to the president's.
Most government officials at every level would only provide clean and good reports on every program and activity, just to please their superiors.
Looking fresh with a stylish hairdo, Megawati added she was always very upset when she heard that one of her ministers or staff members was doing nothing but talking.
"What we really need are concrete actions and steps to lift our nation out of the multi-dimensional crisis," the President added.
Megawati went on to say that if ministers give her incorrect reports, than she could not formulate a good policy and seek effective solutions to lingering problems.
Legislator Indira Damayanti Sugondo, who has submitted a letter of resignation to PDI Perjuangan faction, revealed that Megawati, by nature, did not like to face criticism.
Indira added that virtually all members of the party knew this and waited for Megawati to be in a good mood before voicing criticism, though often they would just give up.
"She (Megawati) was born with a silver spoon in her mouth. Her first reaction to criticism or difference was dislike," Indira told The Jakarta Post by phone.
Indira added that this situation had caused party members or Cabinet ministers to submit shining reports to their boss.
According to Indira, Megawati should take stern action against any ministers who submit a flattering report because such reports adversely affect policy decisions and the administration.
Megawati should also inform the public which ministries regularly submit rosy reports.
PDI Perjuangan member Sophan Sophiaan said Megawati had become ignorant of what the public wanted and often decided on whatever she wanted because the party had given her a blank check to do so.
He cited the party's congress in Semarang, Central Java in 2000, which gave her the authority to do "whatever it takes for the sake of the party and country".
"If someone is given that kind of authority, of course it gives her the opportunity to do whatever she wants, because it is allowed," Sophan told The Jakarta Post.
He underlined that Megawati retained such habits, even when she became president last year.
"The party should do something to limit her powers, otherwise it will bring future difficulties," Sophan remarked.