Openness may stop apathy
JAKARTA (JP): Speaker of the House of Representatives Wahono yesterday asserted the need for political openness and freedom to circumvent the growth of political apathy in society.
"We should neither hinder nor diminish the people's political life. If that happens, apathy could prevail in our society," Wahono was quoted as saying by Antara.
Speaking at the inauguration of 22 new members of the People's Consultative Assembly (MPR), Wahono remarked that openness must be exercised without suspicion. He added that those who voice criticism must be respected because they are motivated by their concern for the state.
He contended that public criticism should be reacted to positively, not with antagonism, especially when "opposing" views contained alternative solutions worthy of consideration.
Reflecting on the country's development, Wahono said that despite the tremendous strides made there was still much left to be done. "We are not yet happy with the development we have accomplished. We realize that the kind of society we aspire to create is still distant," he said.
Wahono added that criticism indicates society's awareness and concern towards development and indicates that a capricious attitude is not being adopted towards the process.
He attested to the necessity of political openness to encourage debate and garner public participation.
"This sort of perspective and attitude by members of MPR and the House in their work to create a healthy and dynamic climate and democratic existence, will the nation and state to mature," he said.
"There must be an opportunity to cultivate political awareness in accordance with the Pancasila democracy," noted the House Speaker.
Wahono underlined that in the face of growing public participation and scrutiny in the political system, MPR members and legislators must adopt a critical attitude and be sensitive and willing to defend the people's rights in a constitutional and democratic manner in accordance with the law.
Among the 22 MPR members replaced in the midterm reshuffle was retired Lt. Gen. H.B.L. Mantiri, the former ambassador designate to Canberra. Maniri's nomination was recently withdrawn in response to public outcry in Australia over his candidacy.
As a representative of the Armed Forces faction, Mantiri was replaced by Lt. Gen. Soeyono.
In total, there were 15 substitutions within the Armed forces faction and seven within the provincial representatives.
Amongst the new provincial representatives was Maj. Gen. Wiranto, Commander of the Jakarta Military Command, who is Jakarta's representative to MPR replacing Maj. Gen. A.M. Hendropriyono.
The other changes involved representatives from the provinces of Aceh, Bengkulu, Irian Jaya, South Kalimantan and North Kalimantan.
The 1000-member MPR is comprised of elected legislators along with 146 provincial representatives and 50 Armed Forces representatives who are appointed by the president.(mds)