Observers hail support for Cabinet reshuffle

Observers hail support for Cabinet reshuffle

JAKARTA (JP): Political observers have welcomed the apparent
show of solidarity for the President in undertaking a Cabinet
reshuffle, saying despite the political bickering, it
demonstrated that major political parties still put the national
interest first.

Political observer J. Kristiadi welcomed the show of
solidarity.

The support, he said, was a clear sign that political elite
realized that the compromise Cabinet established in October
simply did not work because it had become an arena of dispute
between cabinet members from different parties.

"The elite understands that we need a more professional
Cabinet to answer the needs of the people, rather than a
compromise. This understanding should be maintained," Kristiadi
said.

Abdurrahman's Cabinet, established after he was elected in
October, was seen by many as a compromise to include all
political elements in the House of Representatives.

However, the Cabinet has been besieged by bickering and lack
of coordination along with various other extraneous issues, such
as the East Timor investigation, which have impeded its work.

At least five ministers have resigned in eight months.

In the runup to the August General Session of the People's
Consultative Assembly (MPR), major political parties have
expressed a rare show of unity by expressing support for
Abdurrahman to revamp his Cabinet without political interference.

Gadjah Mada University rector Ichlasul Amal said that the
common stance could also tone down the relentless bickering which
had left many disenchanted.

Ichlasul said the support would allow Abdurrahman to conduct
his prerogative freely and with certainty.

"It is important to let President Abdurrahman perform his
prerogative freely, without intervention and worrying about
political threats from politicians," he said in Yogyakarta on
Tuesday.

He added that the poor performance in the past was also in
part due to the constant political bickering from the various
interests of the party which also affected the President's
future.

The chairman of Ad Hoc Committee I of the MPR Jacob Tobing
said he understood that the support for a reshuffle had been
attained following a meeting between the heads of major political
parties and the President.

"From what I know, political parties have agreed to give the
President a chance, and reminded him that he has tasks and duties
that cannot be delegated to anyone else," Jacob, of the
Indonesian Democratic Party of Struggle (PDI Perjuangan), said.

He said support for a complete Cabinet overhaul in August was
necessary in order to give Abdurrahman a second chance to improve
his performance.

Meanwhile, National Mandate Party (PAN) chairman Amien Rais
said he would not object if the President did not include PAN
ministers in the new Cabinet.

"Let's give Abdurrahman a chance to appoint his own Cabinet
ministers. We will see whether it is better or not," Amien, who
is also the MPR Speaker, said.

He rejected suggestions that the new Cabinet would only
comprise of ministers from the National Awakening Party, Golkar
Party and PDI Perjuangan.

"If you say it's (the lineup) like that. That assumption is
wrong. I know better," he said.

But there were some words of discontent from Golkar Party
legislator Marwah Daud Ibrahim who insisted that party chairman
Akbar Tandjung's support for a reshuffle did not represent party
opinion.

Speaking to journalists on Tuesday, Marwah said it is not wise
for Akbar to disclose such opinions after holding a meeting with
the President and other political parties leaders, without
consulting the topics with other Golkar members.

"It is not correct if Akbar claims he can represent the voice
of the party, his opinion is simply an elite opinion, not the
party's opinion," Marwah, who is not known to be on the same
political alignment with Akbar, said.

She said many of Golkar's members may have differences of
opinion and Akbar's support for the President could not guarantee
Abdurrahman's position and freedom to use his prerogative and
choose his own Cabinet. (dja/jun/44/har)