VIPs do not deserve leave: Amien

MALANG, East Java: People's Consultative Assembly Speaker Amien Rais voiced his opposition against President Megawati Soekarnoputri's request for a leave, citing the unabated crisis and the heavy burden the country has to bear.

Speaking after closing a student orientation program at the Malang Muhammadiyah University, Amien said both the President and Vice President did not need annual leaves because they got enough rest every Sunday.

"The special leave will spark controversy now that numerous problems facing the country remain unsettled," Amien said.

Unlike western countries, annual leaves have never been a part of governmental affairs in the country's history, he added.

Echoing Amien's statement, Nahdlatul Ulama chairman Hasyim Muzadi said a presidential leave was not recognized in Indonesian culture.

President Megawati proposed the idea of a special leave for the president and vice president during a meeting with the Indonesian community in Hungary last week. -- Antara