Stick to people's interests!

Stick to people's interests!

I agree with Olvia Reksodipoetro's letter concerning Amien
Rais, Back to politician (The Jakarta Post, Jan. 12, 2000).

I am also one of the many citizens who voted for his party in
last June's general elections. Unfortunately, I have to believe
that he no longer represents the people, and that he should
therefore resign the position as Speaker of the People's
Consultative Assembly (MPR).

In what capacity did he call for a jihad, as MPR Speaker or as
Chairman of the National Mandate Party (PAN)? Even as a Muslim I
am not sure of the real meaning of jihad, let alone what lay
outsiders must think. Amien Rais' statement is quite contrary to
his present position.

If he really wishes to contribute to the nation and state,
he'd better concentrate on the problems of corruption and how to
solve them. There are still numerous unsolved issues that need to
be addressed.

Don't try to fool the people in order to serve personal
interests. The people are well aware of what is happening. And as
a concerned citizen, I have the right to criticize and correct
actions which disregard the people's interests. This does not
necessarily mean, however, that I agree with President
Abdurrahman Wahid in all his efforts to solve the country's
problems.

Forget all personal or group interests and let us all make a
sincere effort to find the best solution for the problems the
nation is now facing. We should prove that the reform order is
better than the New Order.

In this context I would like to call on the nation's leaders
to be wise and mature in handling all challenges. The people have
entrusted their plight to your hands.

TITA MUSTIKAHATI

Jakarta