Resignation of Faisal Basri

Resignation of Faisal Basri

From Pikiran Rakyat

Allow me to congratulate Faisal Basri and his colleagues on their resignation from the National Mandate Party (PAN), because by doing so they have demonstrated their honesty.

As Faisal Basri and Bara Hasibuan have put it, PAN is no longer the right place where a struggle for democracy may be waged because PAN is inconsistent with its original aspiration to continue the reform mission. PAN is now too busy with matters relating to national leadership to the extent that it seems to have put aside the reform agenda.

Pak Faisal has said that he joined PAN not for the interests of PAN itself, but rather in the interests of the nation. As Pak Faisal has also said, PAN, which is spearheaded by Amien Rais, has now turned 180 degrees.

When Pak Amien Rais jolted Soeharto and his New Order, he looked as if he was a holy god of savior. He preached everywhere, conveying his vision and mission and did not seem to be interested in a reward for his struggle.

I was then in agreement with him, although I did not vote for PAN or other parties because I have for many years opted for the White Aspirations. I will always support anybody bent on crushing tyranny.

That Pak Amien has deviated from his early vision is very much visible from the "alliance" that he is now forging with the heroes of the New Order. Even when Syahril Sabirin was detained for alleged involvement in the Bank Indonesia (BI) scandal, Pak Amien came to visit him. This is strange and is really confusing to the public. It seems that Pak Amien is just like Gus Dur, who is also very fond of confusing the people.

Best regards to Pak Amien and anti-tyranny supporters.

And once again, best wishes to Pak Faisal Basri and his colleagues.

APEP FAJAR

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