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