Political party cleansing

In politics, "political cleansing" seems to me to be the dirtiest expression coined and dirtiest tactic practiced to annihilate political opponents, regardless of age or sex. The Kosovo case serves as an example of how political cleansing was carried out by the party leadership to get rid of party members who violate the official party's policy.

Chairperson of the Indonesian Democratic Party of Struggle (PDI Perjuangan), Megawati Soekarnoputri, during the party's congress in Jakarta recently, felt some cleansing of party ranks was needed as some members of the regional as well as the central legislative councils had compromised the party's cause and principals by pursuing personal interests and even accepting bribes. Some 27 to 30 party members have been expelled or recalled from the various councils during the congress.

It must have been unpleasant for Megawati to carry out the task as it risks losing some degree of popularity among her followers. But there surely is no other option if PDI Perjuangan wishes to win the next general elections.

It is an open secret that during by-elections for governors and city mayors, the PDI Perjuangan candidates, in spite of having a majority in the councils, have been defeated by candidates of smaller parties. Such developments do not please the party leadership. Serious assessment of party candidates who are suspected of collaborating with the opposition is necessary.

Ideally, the chairperson of the country's largest political party should not hold the post of vice president as this person needs freer hands and a more objective view of the problems. Somehow Megawati's actions and reactions in dealing with a particular situation often appear to be slow.

Megawati's double role may weaken her leadership and harm her party's image.

GANDHI SUKARDI

Jakarta