Oops, time's up!

JAKARTA (JP): The genial and informative manner of the secretary-general of a huge and influential political organization like Golkar should not be surprising.

But in his single-minded enthusiasm to answer questions, Golkar secretary-general Ary Mardjono failed even to hear calls for Assembly members to enter the hall for a plenary session of the People's Consultative Assembly (MPR) that was about to begin.

He continued to respond to journalists' questions on his opinion of President Soeharto's statement regarding implementation of the promised economic reforms and on Golkar's preferred lineup for the next cabinet.

Ary only realized that he was due to take part in the session when there were no other legislators left outside the hall.

"Oops, it's time for me to get into the hall. Sorry that I have to leave you all," he said rushing inside. (imn)