Take notice of the warning signs

Take notice of the warning signs

From Merdeka

This year our country has seen a great number of disasters -- earthquakes, fires, the drought and students fighting in the street -- which have all had an impact on our development achievements.

These disasters have even threatened stability and unity of the nation in a wider sense.

If we recall the era of the Prophet, when the disasters sent by God destroyed the people who opposed His teachings, we must be aware that the current disasters are not free from God's will because many people's deeds are contrary to their words.

The victims are the lay people, the ignorant people who sacrifice their money and their lives.

It is said that corruption, collusion and manipulation here are the highest in Asia. The little people know that.

Funds in aid of villages and backward rural areas are plenty but they are traceless. People see the reality but remain silent because they know the answers before asking the questions.

On account of the above, the People's Consultative Assembly (MPR) for the 1997/2002 period should make it a priority to eradicate corruption, collusion and manipulation.

It will not be right if the assembly only analyzes the existing issues. Are its members not the representatives of Indonesia's 200 million inhabitants and should they not have collected the material to be discussed?

At the end of their tenure the MPR members should also evaluate the work of the mandate holder. Should an extension of his term be considered or not? It applies to both civilians and those from the military.

After all, of the 200 million citizens there are at least 200 men who have the potential to become mandate holders.

Such a mechanism should also be used in the election of governors and regents so there will be no more problems surrounding the election of regional heads.

M. DJALIPUS KENALI

Bandarlampung