Susilo urges leaders to use common sense

JAKARTA (JP): In his farewell speech as coordinating minister for political, social and security affairs, Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono pleaded for the nation's leaders to use their conscience and common sense when using their power for the sake of the people.

As if reflecting on the current political predicament faced by the nation, Susilo, in his address at the installation of Agum Gumelar on Tuesday as the new coordinating minister for political, social and security affairs, reminded that power was a mandate from the people and thus must be used for the people.

Citing words of wisdom, Susilo cautioned against the allure of power.

"We are reminded by the words of wisdom from Lord Acton that power tends to corrupt, and absolute power corrupts absolutely," he remarked.

He then cited John Steinbeck's saying that "power by itself does not corrupt, but possibly the fear of losing power corrupts".

Susilo emphasized the significance of ingraining these maxims as the country's crisis may come to a head with political tension expected to escalate in the coming months.

How the country deals with these challenges will determine the future of the nation for years to come.

"Our country is currently at a critical stage that will determine our future. So all leaders should listen to their conscience and common sense when making decisions," he remarked.

Susilo then urged ministers to continue assisting the President and Vice President in seeking and reaching the best possible solutions for the good of the country.

Susilo had recently led a ministerial team to seek an eleventh-hour compromise to resolve the political crisis.

His efforts were apparently in vain.

Susilo was dismissed from his post a few days after Abdurrahman issued an executive order for the former to restore security in the nation.

Susilo revealed that he had declined offers to take up another portfolio.

While in office, Susilo publicly disapproved of the President's plans to impose a state of emergency and dissolve the House of Representatives.

Susilo, who was honorarily promoted to the rank of general after he retired from active service in 1999, held the coordinating minister's post for 10 months.

During his brief tenure, he earned the public's respect and was seen as one of the key figures in Abdurrahman's administration.

Revealing his plans for the future, Susilo said that as an ordinary citizen he still wanted to contribute to the country.

"Maybe in the form of thoughts and articles, I will keep my views as objective and independent as possible," Susilo added.

With his impressive track record, Susilo would surely be an asset and add weight to any political party he might choose to join.

Asked if he would consider joining a political party, he replied: "So far it has never occurred to me to join a political party as I have to keep my objectivity and independence." (dja)