Thu, 21 Sep 2000

Moral decadence

The whole affair almost reduces me to tears but I can't help being deeply grateful for the patriotic concern expressed by Irawan Kadarman and the contempt and indignation set to paper by Donna K. Woodward (The Jakarta Post, Sept. 18, 2000) concerning the disgraceful globetrotting being contemplated by 90 members of the People's Consultative Assembly.

I am at a loss for words as to how to describe the moral turpitude prevailing among our legislators, who are supposed to represent the noble interests of the people at large as their electors during the last general election.

I fail to understand how the Speaker of the assembly, Amien Rais, renowned for his critical stance on matters relating to the affairs of state, could possibly sanction this disturbing plan on the part of our legislators, a plan that blatantly disregards the current difficulties experienced by the people in struggling merely to subsist.

The disclosure of this dangerous plan, even if it is postponed or, hopefully, canceled, should serve as a pertinent lesson to the electorate in the next general elections, that the high-flown campaign promises made and the stunts carried out by the candidates should not be taken at face value. The electorate should instead remember the immoral and selfish actions taken by them once they succeed in obtaining power.

In stark contrast to their usual absence during the sessions of the assembly committees, which in itself attests to their lack of interest in furthering the fervent aspirations of the people for a better life, health care, and social and educational benefits, now the 90 members of the assembly shamelessly plan to make use of public funds for extravagant overseas travel to the detriment of the public interest. Unless, that is, the plan is withdrawn.

HEINDIARTO R.

Bekasi, West Java