Openness may stop apathy
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 Maniri's nomination was recently withdrawn in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)