PAN's concern is people's welfare

PAN's concern is people's welfare

From Ummat

As a new party which came into existence during the era of
reform, the National Mandate Party (PAN) has not committed any
sin against the nation and state, either morally or politically.

Nor has the chairman of the party, Dr. H.M. Amien Rais, sinned
in any fashion. In fact, while many leaders, including some
informal leaders like clergymen and public figures, were giving
their full support to the authoritarian regime, Amien Rais boldly
expressed the principle of amar makruf nahi mungkar (asking
people to do the right thing, doing away with bad conduct).

And at the time when many leaders and clergymen and public
figures were showing indifference at the fact that the greedy and
corrupt regime exploited the riches of the country to its utmost
advantage, the same Amien Rais also presented the strongest
condemnation of the prevailing social gap.

Most of his time, energy and thought were dedicated to the
interests and well-being of the majority of the people, rather
than his own gains. Given this meritorious stance, I am of the
opinion that no other individuals, from outside the system, or
even from inside the system, may be compared to Amien Rais. It is
quite understandable, though, that there are parties or groups
that are not happy with Amien Rais and his PAN. The latter is
perceived as a threat to a long-established system of privilege.

When Amien Rais held the post of chairman of Muhammadiyah,
his bitter criticisms seemed to embarrass many people,
particularly those who felt their positions threatened. For those
in power, the posts they held meant everything, so that they
would do anything in their capacity to hang on to them.

The issue of the formation of a federal state, for example,
has been manipulated and politicized in such a manner that there
was an impression created that Amien Rais was trying to bring
about the disintegration of the nation. Whereas the concept of a
federal state as perceived by PAN was based on the ideal that
politically the country would be governed more justly, and the
economy would be more equitable.

In other words, if the two objectives could be achieved either
through giving full autonomy to the regions, or through the
present unitary concept, there should be no problem. Amien Rais
and PAN would have no objection. Moreover, the power to change
the unitary state into a federal state, within the framework of
the democratic system, lies in the hands of the people via their
representatives in the People's Consultative Assembly (MPR), and
does not lie within the competence of PAN or any other parties.
So, why are we making a fuss about it?

In my opinion, the concept itself does not matter. What really
matters is how the concept is implemented and by whom. The New
Order regime, after 32 years of authoritarian rule, has led the
country and nation to unprecedented chaos, where torture was
rampant and people were in constant fear.

In conclusion, whatever system we adopt must be directed for
the sake of the people as a whole, and not for the benefit of a
selected few or even a power-hungry regime.

IBNU RIFAI

Prabumulih, South Sumatra