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