The race among parties

The race among parties

The reform movement has been fighting for its life amid
increasing uncertainties. To certain groups of students, the
reform movement has been dead, thus they urge President Megawati
Soekarnoputri and Vice President Hamzah Haz to resign for failing
to maintain the spirit of reform.

However, amid the lack of reform spirit, a couple of parties
have been able to buck the skepticism -- the United Development
Party (PPP) and Golkar Party.

The two parties have opened themselves to the public for
membership. PPP for instance, has invited those willing to be
members of the legislative body representing the Islamic-based
party.

Golkar, cornered by certain quarters, has claimed to be the
most prepared for reforms by recruiting its presidential nominee
through a convention.

Is it wrong for parties not to open themselves to outsiders
to be nominated for president? Of course not, as it is an
agreement that has to be appreciated.

However, both PPP and Golkar have shown the courage to change.
One of the reasons why reform is fading away is that the elite
group lack the courage to make sacrifices.

It is not enough for PPP and Golkar to race in inviting
outsiders to presidential nomination, to prove that they are
reformists.

Old and new parties are faced with the question on the
willingness of their leaders to leave their positions in the
party once they are elected as public officials.

If party leaders are daring enough to do that, they will do a
good turn for this nation's life. -- Media Indonesia, Jakarta