Some tips for the next president

The manual count by the General Elections Commission is still underway, and it will be a few more days before the official election result is announced to the public. But, the announcement of Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono as the 6th president of the Republic of Indonesia is surely imminent. And, as an ordinary citizen I would like to raise the following issues:

Choosing the right assistants: Jusuf Kalla mentioned in the media that cabinet members would be announced on Oct. 20. (Susilo, Jusuf), no doubt you are very busy selecting the right people for the job.

The main issue, however, is whether they also have the integrity that is so badly needed. Without integrity, it would be difficult for you to perform one of your programs, i.e. the eradication of corruption.

I would like to appeal to you to put integrity above all other criteria in this matter.

Plans for your first 100 days: There are two things that I would like to propose. Both are very simple and easy -- and all depends on your conscience. Stop using fancy and luxurious cars for official cars. Use a domestically assembled car, such as a Kijang or Isuzu Panther. The money saved could be utilized for the renovation of elementary school buildings that collapsed or are in need of repair.

If the president used a domestically assembled car, I am sure those under him -- such as ministers, governors, regents and other high-ranking officials -- would not be tempted to use a fancy, luxurious car.

The president and his family should live at the State Palace, to save on building maintenance and security costs.

No less important is that the people would have easier access to the president to express their concerns or aspirations.

M SULHAN ASKANDAR, Jakarta