New leadership called for

From the perspective of law and democracy, all citizens, including B.J. Habibie, are entitled to propose their candidacy for the presidency. But let us consider the achievements of the transitional government under President Habibie in its law- enforcement efforts.

From the perspective of human rights, there have been the following cases that caused widespread notice and discussion: Marsinah, Udin, July 27, 1996, the abduction of activists, the Trisakti incident, the May 1998 riots (and the recommendations by the fact-finding team), the Banyuwangi slayings, the Semanggi incident. All of these have meanwhile been shelved.

Although Decision No. XI/1998 by the People's Consultative Assembly (MPR) refers to governance free from corruption, collusion and nepotism, the government continues to mislead the people with disgusting shams. There has never been a settlement that takes into account the people's idea of justice.

The Gandrik theater recently performed the play Brigade Maling (Thieves Brigade). Previously, employees of a state-owned transport company admitted that they had stolen from their own company. It was an honest admission.

Jeffrey Winters has recommended that we ask for a reduction of the debt owed to the World Bank, because a minimum of 30 percent of the loans from the institution have been corrupted. But has the government the credibility, or the bargaining position, to ask for it?

I would like to quote the following:

72.8 percent of the people are not satisfied with the Habibie government (poll in Kompas, May 17).

78 percent of the people did not vote for Golkar in the general election (and 90 percent of fraud is believed to have been committed by Golkar).

It is clear that the people want an authentic new leadership, and for that purpose there must be a change of government and its infrastructure. Therefore, members of the People's Consultative Assembly (MPR), which will convene in November, should refrain from involvement in political games and conspiracies. They should maintain their ethics and morality and let their consciences speak. They should remember that their responsibility lies with the nation and the state.

A. RAHMANTO

Jakarta