Shameful moral decadence

The request for a termination of duty allowance for members of the House of Representatives (DPR) for the abbreviated period 1997 to 2002 -- a payment readily approved by President Habibie through Presidential Decree No.47/1999 -- testifies tragic and shameful moral decadence. It is further proof that House members are not the people's representatives, but they are people who voice their personal interest and that of the New Order powerholders. It does not show consideration for the majority of the people who are experiencing economic disruption due to massive layoffs and riots.

Legislators should realize that the various riots, the series of tragic incidents, can be traced back to them because they made the mistake of "singing in chorus" their agreement to elect Soeharto as president for the 1997 to 2002 period, even though their conscience told them that the majority of the people clearly said, through students' demands, that they did not want Pak Harto to continue his presidency. Again the decision was based on personal and group interest because they did not want to lose their job and position. It boiled down to a matter of money and privileges.

They should not give the excuse that the circumstances did not permit them to speak the truth, making them all join in the chorus. That explanation would only show again their egoistic, indifferent and irresponsible behavior in regard to their decision.

It is odd, tragic and shameful that only three months from their decision to elect Pak Harto, who had on several occasions uttered his reluctance, they readily urged Pak Harto to resign through the chairman and deputy chairman of the House/People's Consultative Assembly (DPR/MPR). All the while they remained in their House seats, safe, tranquil and peaceful, enjoying their salaries and benefits.

Where was their moral justification about their erroneous decision?

Therefore, it is immoral if, in this situation where the country is burdened by huge debts, House members demand termination pay of Rp 150 million each and pay proportional to their period of service. Their reason is they have labored to produce many laws and to organize the special session of the MPR, which is indeed their task and they have been paid by the state.

Do they deliberately act stupidly (or are they indeed genuinely dumb) in that they fail to realize the discontinuation of their House jobs was mainly caused by their fatal mistake in choosing the president, which necessitated the June 7, 1999, general election (which cost Rp 18 million per head). If they are truly consistent, they should bear the cost as a consequence of their deeds.

WISDARMANTO

Jakarta