Officials should be frugal

Officials should be frugal

From Rakyat Merdeka

Our country is still gripped by an economic crisis and trapped
in huge foreign debts. Based on the report of the Public
Servants' Wealth Audit Commission (KPKPN), our senior officials
have abundant wealth. However, it has not spurred the commission
into action.

We need to recall Bung Karno's struggle during the Dutch
colonial period. He was jailed several times by the Dutch
colonialists. But, Bung Karno felt neither daunted nor hopeless.
He kept on fighting for the freedom of his country, which was
finally declared on Aug. 17, 1945.

At that time the president, vice president, ministers,
legislators, governors and regents were willing to have their
salaries and other allowances cut by between 30 percent and 50
percent.

Imagine if we compare the income of the common people who are
now living in misery to that of senior officials or legislators
who enjoy an easy life.

These officials should also be willing to have their salaries
cut and allowances for housing, vehicles and other facilities
abolished.

The minister for trade and industry should stop imports of
foreign products and luxury cars to reduce government
expenditure. This resultant fund could be used for the payment of
the country's debts.

IRWANTO

Tangerang, Banten