Ministers should not campaign

Ministers should not campaign

From Pikiran Rakyat

Debates are being held on whether Cabinet ministers should be allowed to campaign. Some prominent public figures are against this in order to safeguard the neutrality of the 1999 general election. However, Golkar's general chairman agrees that ministers should campaign with the objective of getting as many votes as possible.

There is no intention on my part to question the right of the ministers as political party members. But it would be a good thing if, for the elections in 1999, the ministers do not join in the campaigning. They should be aware that they are not owned by their party but by the government. The state's interest should be given priority for the nation's unity and cohesion.

Everything should be seen in the light of the experience that our nation's political life was gray for 32 years. It should not be spoiled again due to one word -- "campaign".

And because of that one word, there will be accusations that the election is not honest and just. The contents of the ministers' campaigning may not be different, but the same as during the Old Order regime, full of promises.

The reason given is that in order not to disturb their work, the ministers will go on leave when they campaign. But that is not the point. It is the psychological effect.

For example, if Akbar Tandjung campaigns, people will see him not as Golkar's chairman but as the state secretary.

Likewise with other ministers. People will consider them not as Golkar members but as ministers. The question may arise in their minds whether the ministers are using state facilities.

We must prevent this kind of evaluation. Now a number of ministers will go on leave to campaign. Consider the number of provinces they have to visit.

In the ministers' absence, who is going to replace them in their work? The ministers should abide by their basic task to lead their respective ministries.

SANTHONY SANDRA

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