New ministers commend role of public criticism

New ministers commend role of public criticism

JAKARTA (JP): Coordinating Minister for Economy, Finance and
Industry Kwik Kian Gie assured government critics on Wednesday
that the new Cabinet would be receptive to their concerns and
that it would try its best to accommodate the public's
aspirations.

Speaking to journalists after attending a three-hour Cabinet
meeting at the Bina Graha presidential office, the minister
pointed out that President Abdurrahman Wahid himself welcomed any
criticism of the government. Kwik said the President would hold
regular meetings with the public to enable the government to
obtain fresh input from the community.

"For the critics, we will try to explain why we must take
certain decisions, what our argumentation is, and if we are wrong
we will accept it and make improvements," said Kwik at a joint
media briefing with State Secretary Ali Rahman and Coordinating
Minister for People's Welfare Hamzah Haz.

Kwik said he could understand that some people were impatient
for concrete steps to be taken by the Cabinet. He said the new
government's policy formulation would be kept transparent and
would actively involve the public.

State Secretary Ali Rahman said the government would always
need critics and would not hesitate to openly acknowledge
mistakes if they were made.

Abdurrahman's pledge to keep in touch with a wide segment of
society has led to a constant stream of visitors to the State
Guest House.

He received on Monday 16 non-governmental organizations at the
State Guest House. During the meeting, he requested the
organizations routinely provide him with input.

Together with Vice President Megawati Soekarnoputri,
Abdurrahman has announced plans to have biweekly meetings with
ordinary people outside the palace. (prb)