President needs a PR person

The postelection period for Cabinet ministers and members of the People's Consultative Assembly and House of Representatives, both at the central and provincial levels, should be seen, and most importantly felt by those concerned, as a trial-and-error period. They should show the nation that they have vision, listen to people's aspirations, take the initiative and, of even greater value, are trustworthy, unselfish and devoted to serving the common interest rather than their personal and party interests.

With the Cabinet reflecting almost all the forces on the legislative fronts plus the defense and security elements, there is ample time and opportunity to feel satisfied and complacent.

In reality, there is no time to fool around let alone celebrate the newly acquired facilities and power. The situation is so serious and yet still confusing that even President Abdurrahman Wahid seems hard pressed in selecting priorities. Aceh first or Clinton? But he knows for sure that the economy deserves his greatest attention. Otherwise, he would not have unhesitatingly requested economic advice from Singapore's Lee Kuan Yew, and Japan's Prime Minister Obuchi for additional economic (read financial) aid package. President Wahid realizes that foreign investment is desperately needed by this country. He talked to the International Monetary Fund's people in Washington while many had expected him to visit Aceh.

It is essential for the head of state not to make a political slip and take the wrong step. There are social, political as well as religious groupings which despise his unorthodox, innovative, liberal and uninhibited approach, including his proposal to open up trade with Israel.

It would be politically wise for him to declare after he returns home that he has abandoned the plan to establish trade relations with Israel to appease the extreme elements in society. It has become clear that President Wahid also needs a presidential spokesperson to do the necessary public relations work on his usually controversial and unpopular policies before his ministers take over the job in more technical terms. Why not take a lesson from the White House?

Despite his sudden bursts of inspiration like traveling around the world, and disregarding his physical limitations, his modest style of living and not being afraid of living in "poverty" with his family should serve as an example to every minister, legislator, government official and the general public, something that seemed "taboo" in the past.

GANDHI SUKARDI

Jakarta