Megawati's doublespeak

In an interview in the June 21 edition of Newsweek, Megawati Soekarnoputri made a statement which set me thinking. Question: "Why are you so vague when you talk of your policies?". Megawati's answer: "I'm not. It depends on the audience. If I'm addressing an international audience I always talk about specific policies. But not when I'm facing the people who can't easily digest complicated and sophisticated policies."

Does this mean that only an "international audience" is entitled to clear statements from Megawati "about specific policies", but not her fellow citizens? Does this mean that millions of well-educated Indonesians who can very well "easily digest complicated and sophisticated policies" do not deserve the same privilege as an "international audience"? And what about those Indonesians who might indeed have difficulties in comprehending difficult political issues? Are they not entitled to be addressed by a presidential candidate with simple words which, I am sure, they would be able to understand?

Megawati Soekarnoputri should explain to her supporters that 36 percent of the votes are not a majority which would automatically entitle her to become president. She should also tell her fanatical followers that their blood-oath action and banners saying "Megawati or Revolution" are serious threats to the long-desired democratization of the country. Who will bear the responsibility if her supporters run amok in case the constitutionally legitimized People's Consultative Assembly (MPR) does not elect her president? I think it should be the prime concern of a presidential candidate to provide political education, especially to the common people.

Former president Soeharto addressed his "subjects" like underage children, and critical questions were not permitted. It worries me that now, when people can freely question their political leaders, Megawati's supporters choose to follow her blindly, without asking any questions about her political views.

After Soeharto's fall, Indonesia has made a big step forward by introducing freedom of the press and by holding the country's first free and fair elections. I am afraid that actions like blood oaths and threats which put the MPR under pressure may turn the wheel back to political patterns similar to those prevailing during the New Order.

MRS. HILDE MAY

Jakarta