Sowing discord

The new breakthrough by Amien Rais and other Islamic parties to form a reform faction and to propose Nahdlatul Ulama chairman Abdurrahman Wahid, better known as Gus Dur, as a presidential candidate must be watched as an effort to sow discord in the PASO group consisting of the Indonesian Democratic Party of Struggle (PDI Perjuangan), the National Awakening Party (PKB) and the National Mandate Party (PAN). This group will support -- in a logical, democratic and just way -- Megawati as its presidential candidate because the number of votes obtained by PDI Perjuangan in the general election far exceeded the total of votes gained by PKB and PAN.

It is most regrettable that Amien Rais did not consider the matter thoroughly. He showed himself to be hard-hearted by slighting PDI Perjuangan, which has never defaulted on its promises and has never acted negatively toward PAN. If the breakthrough were initiated by the United Development Party (PPP) or other political parties outside the PASO group, it would certainly be understandable, but PAN's links with the PASO group makes the statement unethical.

Does Amien Rais not realize that the new breakthrough will sow discord among the three big political parties, thus facilitating Golkar and its cronies and enable them to remain in power?

Whatever the reason, Amien Rais should have stated his position on whether he wanted to adhere to the PASO communique or to withdraw from the group.

Fortunately that apart from Gus Dur himself who continues to champion Megawati, PKB too through Mr. Matori's clear statement consistently has proposed Megawati as its presidential candidate because in the PASO group PDI Perjuangan has won the general election.

I, and perhaps other supporters of PDI Perjuangan, PKB and PAN too, since before the general election put great hopes on the solidity of the unity of the three political parties because they have a common platform of nationalism, making them capable of preventing the return of Golkar and Habibie to rule over this country. I urge that the three political party leaders immediately sit at the same table to jointly prepare and carry out steps leading to the toppling of the status quo government.

Amien Rais should exert some patience until the legalization of the general election results by the General Elections Commission (KPU) and the government, and should refrain from making other breakthroughs which could tarnish his own and his party's name and add to the people's confusion. Let the parties with a significant number of votes take the initiative. Amien Rais is well placed to successfully play a supporting role.

WISDARMANTO

Jakarta