Political professionalism

Political professionalism

From Rakyat Merdeka

In political activities, the professionalism which must be displayed by political activists is not just the ability to speak or maneuver well, but also includes moral integrity and ethics as the manifestation of accountability to the people. Therefore, what happened in the 1999 polls and what is happening at the ongoing General Session of the People's Consultative Assembly (MPR) is a unit and cannot be broken down at will. So the result of the General Session must reflect the result of 1999 polls. As for power-sharing, this can be arranged and must be seen as a just and wise act. Yet the result of the polls must not be manipulated.

Political development in the reform era shows that many statements, maneuvers and the actions of the political elite and the people's representatives do not reflect moral integrity and ethics. Therefore, can it be said that the people's representatives and the political elite are already professional in their political activities?

In Japan, the attitude of a gentleman's resignation is a legacy from their forefathers. How are things in Indonesia? It is now time to lay down a good foundation for the future of Indonesia.

As a citizen allow me therefore to call on the people's representatives and the political elite to show moral integrity and ethics in their political activities. Do not simply pursue personal/group benefits by orchestrating circumstances and wearing the masks of reform, people, democracy and so on.

As for the Indonesian Democratic Party of Struggle (PDI Perjuangan), if Megawati Soekarnoputri should fail to shoulder the tasks and responsibilities as president because of the sly skill of manipulation of a group of people's representatives, the party's members should not request nor accept any positions in the Cabinet. It would be better for the party to pose itself as an opposition force.

RAMSES MW SIBARANI

Tangerang, West Java