Vice President's ability

For more than 30 years we were in the New Order regime. The position for president at that time had huge authority. There was almost absolute power in the president's hands. The position of vice president did not mean more than being a substitute for the president if he became incapable of carrying out his tasks.

Now we are in the reform era. We want to rebuild our country for the better. We not only need a good president but also a good vice president. Both must have a good knowledge of leadership so that they can work harmoniously together.

The current President has shown his capacity as such and has accomplished his job. We are still wondering about the Vice President. What has she done? Frankly, I doubt her capabilities. In this era of reform we do not want our Vice President to be like the New Order's vice presidents, who contributed nothing to the country.

A vice president should not merely be committed to attending ceremonial events. The country cannot afford this kind of vice president. Both the president and vice president should share the responsibilities in handling the nation's problems, such as the ethnic conflict in Maluku, violence in Irian Jaya, the Aceh issue and so on.

MUHAMMAD RUSDI

Jakarta