Megawati claims Habibie's speech parroted her

JAKARTA (JP): Megawati Soekarnoputri was disparaging in her appraisal of President B.J. Habibie's state of the nation address on Monday, deriding it as a copy of her political speech on July 29.

The chairwoman of the Indonesian Democratic Party of Struggle (PDI Perjuangan), winner in the June 7 polls, did not specify the similarities.

To journalists covering her meeting with leaders of the National Awakening Party (PKB) on Monday, she said: "I have seen his speech, and I believe many parts of the speech duplicated the PDI Perjuangan (speech)."

But she declined to cite specifics when journalists pressed for further explanation. "You know for yourselves that much of it is similar to my political speech."

Habibie's address touched on major issues of the economic sector, politics and security problems in Aceh, Maluku and East Timor. Megawati made her speech on July 29 after her party was officially declared the winner in the polls.

A more favorable evaluation came from leading human rights activist Marzuki Darusman. While describing it as "good, objective and indicating a wish to present an accountability", he said the speech failed to present a firm position on demands for a comprehensive investigation into the alleged corruption of former president Soeharto, his family and associates.

"Although it was a state address, but (it was also) seeking acceptance for what the government has done," said Marzuki, who is also deputy chairman of the ruling Golkar Party.

"Until today, there have not been any cases of corruption handled in ways that would act as a deterrent for others to commit the same crime.

"The President should have explained (more) about Soeharto, and ways how it can be solved through the General Session of the People's Consultative Assembly (MPR). This is a fundamental problem, which remains unsolved.

"The nation should not be burdened further by this problem."

Golkar chairman Akbar Tandjung also faulted Habibie for failing to clarify how far the administration was in its investigation of Soeharto, Habibie's longtime mentor.

Other observers blasted Habibie for not showing a determination to eradicate corruption.

Habibie spoke at length on the need for a continued economic recovery, but did not provide specific plans to handle the ailing banking sector and the weakening of the rupiah, they said.

"There is a major scandal with banking recapitalization. He mentioned... only that there will be stern action, but what?" Ekky Syachrudin, a leader of Golkar said on a news broadcast of private TV station SCTV. He was referring to the Bank Bali scandal which many experts warn has jeopardized bank restructuring efforts and undermined foreign investor confidence in the domestic economy.

"It was a pity that in this presidential speech (Habibie) missed out on a great opportunity. He could have expressed a sincere desire to eradicate corruption," H.S. Dillon of PDI Perjuangan said as quoted by AFP.

Ekky said: "What is he going to do with the bureaucrats of the banking, economic and industrial sectors? President Habibie didn't mention it. Had he done it, then we'd see some action, that's what we're waiting for. Let's hope there's some follow up in the next few days."

Abdillah Thoha, a leader of the reformist National Mandate Party (PAN), said the problem should be tackled at its roots "or else faith in the government would continue to plunge".

Meanwhile, deputy chairman of United Development Party (PPP) Zarkasih Nur was quoted by Antara as saying that Habibie's speech was probably a draft of his statement of accountability to be given at the MPR session.

"My feeling is there will only be small changes in the political sector in his speech of accountability."

He believed that MPR members elected in the June 7 elections would find it difficult to accept the account unless there was significant progress in the handling of the Soeharto probe.

The Special Session of the MPR last November mandated that Habibie pursue an investigation of Soeharto. Zarkasih said it was probably too late for Habibie to show he was sincere in investigating Soeharto.

"The session will be held in October, so there won't be enough time for Habibie to solve the investigation." (05/swe)