Support Mega, please
Support Mega, please
From Media Indonesia
The political address made by Megawati Soekarnoputri and
broadcast by private television stations on July 29 was a relief
to many parties. I found it a relief, too, because like many
people I had been waiting for Megawati to voice her opinions
about many things that those longing for a change had been
talking about.
Personally, I am a supporter of Mr. Amien Rais. To me, in our
effort to establish a new Indonesia, someone the caliber of Amien
Rais, who can smash to pieces all political vice, is still
needed. The postelection political reality, however, has placed
the Indonesian Democratic Party of Struggle (PDI Perjuangan) as
the winner, though not an absolute one.
As I aspire for reform, if I have to choose between two
presidential candidates, namely Habibie and Megawati, I will opt
for Megawati. If Megawati is finally elected president, she
promises reform. Megawati is free from the political sins
committed by the New Order regime. She is relatively clean, free
from corruption, collusion and nepotism. Besides, I believe she
will be wise enough to evaluate Indonesian history, both during
the Old Order period under Bung Karno, Megawati's father, and
during the black historical pages of the New Order regime under
Soeharto.
Finally, if the "central axis" faction led by Mr. Amien Rais
is finally established, I think it will be better for this
faction to pave the way toward total reform rather than blocking
Megawati simply because she is considered to be less
accommodating to Muslims. In my opinion, fighting for the
interests of Islam is also fighting for the interests of the
entire nation made up of diverse ethnic groups, religions and
racial origins. In the case of Megawati, it is true that she has
to prove her commitment to Muslims. It must be borne in mind,
however, that she can never realize her promises unless she is
given an opportunity to lead this nation. Today, the Indonesian
people will no longer be stupid enough to offer a blank cheque to
Megawati. So, Mr. Amien Rais, please support Megawati for the
good of the entire nation.
RONIADI
Cibinong, West Java