MPR and Emil Salim

MPR and Emil Salim

From Merdeka

I am a graduate of the Bandung Institute of Technology, a member of the board of the Indonesian Engineers Association, a Golkar member know two prominent Golkar members, B.J. Habibie and Emil Salim.

I know these individuals from conferences, seminars and articles. I know that Emil Salim has an excellent knowledge of economics and technology, both conceptually and practically speaking. He is reputedly honest and has the gift to communicate with people from all walks of life.

I have traveled to the United States for relatively long periods at a time, where I have read about foreign opinions on Indonesia. I get the impression that overseas opinion views Emil Salim favorably. I do not wish to be dictated to by a superpower, but I see this positive opinion as beneficial, especially in this global era in which we live.

With no disrespect intended to Habibie, the three socio- political organizations and the Armed Forces which have nominated him as their sole vice-presidential candidate, I believe that Emil Salim is more suited to the post and has the leadership qualities required to pull this nation through difficult times.

This crisis has the potential to devastate the Indonesian nation. In all humbleness, I appeal to whomever thinks that Emil Salim is the best candidate for the post of vice president to voice their opinion. We are living through times which will decide the nation's fate. All people should voice their concern so that the People's Consultative Assembly (MPR) will come to see that many aspirations of people in our society differ from the wishes of the three socio-political parties. Let us see if our 1,000 representatives, with their luxurious facilities paid for by the people's toil, can give voice to their conscience or will acquiesce to party authorities when it comes to choosing a vice president. If they follow the voice of their heart, they will go down in history as examples for our progeny. The outside world will see our MPR members as a reflection of this nation's dignity, and not just as puppets. The nation's dignity is at stake. Everything is left up to the MPR, who will decide this nation's destiny.

T.P. TANDANG

Limo, West Java