Neither fools, nor crooks
Neither fools, nor crooks
Not so long ago, around the time of the year when governments are
formed, many among our political elite would be inflicted with a
temporary case of AIDS. No, not that dreadful disease ravaging
the world's population, but a sudden case of vanity while
awaiting the telephone call to confirm their exalted appointment
as Cabinet minister.
An Indonesian acronym for Aku Ingin Ditelpon Soeharto (I want
to be telephoned by Soeharto), AIDS poignantly described the conceited
regard for high appointment -- a get rich scheme which bestowed power
and all the indulgences of political patrimony. There was little
semblance of the awareness that Cabinet posts are positions of high
service, not high privilege.
In theory, at least, president-elect Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono
has begun to put a stop to it. That is not to say that
"undesirables" are not camping out at Cikeas -- Susilo's
residence -- trying to grab his attention. But at the very least
the president-elect has introduced a new screening process by
personally interviewing a short list of ministerial candidates
for a particular post.
For the moment the process has created a media frenzy. Even
SMS (short Message Service) polling is encouraged by television
stations on the respective ministerial candidates as if it were
some hollow reality show. Watching the circus unfold the public
is treated to a "who dunit?" mystery, only this time the premise
being "who'll get it?"
The way in which a government is selected, organized and
managed will have implications on the procedural legitimacy that
stake holders like the House of Representatives and the general
public, will grant in policy making.
Thus in principle, Susilo's selection process deserves
support. We hope that he will remain faithful to his idea that
"job interviews" will serve as a means to examine not only the
candidates personal competence, but his or her loyalty to the new
president's vision.
We understand that the interviews may also serve as a sieve to
remove politically sensitive candidates from the final selection.
Susilo at the very least can now make his choice under the guise
of appraising the interview, and not merely his personal
inclination.
We welcome this move and wholly endorse the selection of
competence over political favor. However, we would also like to
remind our president-elect that in an age of direct democracy and
parliamentary rambunctiousness, technical competence and
scholarly flair are not the sole proprieties in making a good
Cabinet.
Wit and political congeniality are no less important for an
administration likely to be the most scrutinized in four decades.
We urge Susilo to define in his own mind the positions needed
to govern and the people he needs to fill them. He is not bound
by stifling bureaucratic traditions in this case because simply,
there are none preceding. Susilo should proceed with whatever
experiments he may feel necessary for this process without
wasting time.
His goal should be toward forming a team. Each appointment
demarcated by distinctly separate assignments, yet able to work
collegially with one another. Lone rangers are not welcome.
The selection should include people who cede to a
democratically elected president, but always those who are also
ever ready to sharpen issues and raise concerns over dubious
policy ambitions. "Yes men" are not wanted.
Finally, and most importantly, it is most desirable for the
Cabinet to include only individuals whose personal traits protect
them from the clamor of the mob, the allure of power and the
charm of riches. We seek not a Cabinet of fools at the price of
gaining a Cabinet of crooks.