Quality of a presidential candidate

From Pikiran Rakyat

On the subject of presidential candidates, I do not think that gender is of great importance in determining the criteria for one. The vision and quality of the candidate, however, are essential. The vision concerns his/her views on the spirit of reform. It means whether he/she is willing to amend the 1945 Constitution, to enforce the supremacy of law by bringing Soeharto, his family and cronies to court, to revoke the military's dual function, to reinstate the function of state institutions like the People's Consultative Assembly, the House of Representatives, the Supreme Court and the Attorney General's Office and to return the state's sovereignty to the people, to overcome the moral and economic crisis in the country.

If the candidate does not have this spirit, I am afraid his/her fate will be worse than that of his/her predecessors in their last years.

A presidential candidate must show the qualities of a statesman who is acceptable to all ethnic, religious and professional groups as well as the international circle.

In this case the quality of Nelson Mandela can serve as an example. A statesman must have the know-how to express his/her thoughts both in speech and writing. A statesman must side with oppressed people, including women. A statesman must be religious because he/she is an example for people. He/she must also understand problems of education and the environment.

If a presidential candidate never states his/her stance on the above, never presents his/her program to us and never promises anything to improve the condition of this country, I am afraid we will be deceived for the umpteenth time.

If he/she plunders our country like our second president did, and we criticize him/her, he/she will certainly reply lightly, "I have never made any promises. What is your concern?"

Therefore, choose a presidential candidate who has common sense and a clear conscience, and not because he/she is a symbol of the opposition of the past or because circumstances compel his/her election. We must remember that our choice will be decisive not only for the next five years but also for the whole future of the nation.

To the people's representatives resulting from the June 7 general election, please heed the voices of people, truth and justice.

DIDI SUKYADI

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