Polling on president and VP

Polling on president and VP

From Suara Karya

Telepolling on the prospective vice president conducted by private TV stations has indicated prominent names such as Hamzah Haz, Yusril Ihza Mahendra and Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono. So far Susilo has received a much more favorable response from the general public compared to the other two; an average of 85 percent of respondents have voted for him.

The above fact shows that the general public is beginning to realize that prioritizing the interests of a certain group or individual is by no means a solution to the nation's crises. The people can no longer be easily cheated by the political elite who, in their efforts to achieve their political goals, would often instill the doctrine "the end justifies the means" in the people's minds.

The above fact also reflects the honesty and openness shown by the public due to their eagerness to quickly get out of the crises.

It would be highly unlikely for Hamzah Haz, as a leader of an Islamic organization and a leading cleric, to hold a post subordinate to a woman leader since his party -- United Development Party -- strongly objects to a woman leader. And should he assume the post of vice president, he would be going against the party's creed and this would have a serious impact on his party's existence. It is hard to imagine how a country could run if the president and vice president do not have many things in common.

Yusril Ihza Mahendra, who chairs another Islamic party, may face a similar problem to Hamzah Haz.

Susilo is considered qualified by the telepolling. We do hope that the political elite will be honest with themselves and give Susilo a chance to become Ibu Mega's vice president, to prove himself capable of making the people of Indonesia prosper. They must not cheat people by not accommodating the people's aspirations.

SUHARYONO

Jakarta