Welcoming new column

I noted with interest the new weekly column "Opening up" which kicked off with an interview of Zannuba "Yenny" Arifah Chafsoh Rahman (The Jakarta Post, Aug. 6, 2000).

Judging by questions put to Ms. Yenny (President Wahid's daughter), this column is designed to focus on personal matters rather than social and political opinions. I'm sure many readers will welcome a diversion on Sunday from the weighty issues covered elsewhere in your newspaper, and I look forward to gaining insights into the characters of other public figures.

Can I assume that male participants will face similar questions including "Do you worry about your weight?" and "Would you like plastic surgery?" in future columns? Or is this only intended to probe the character of women whom we must judge on their appearance instead of their actions?

SIMON MONTLAKE

Jakarta

Note: Thank you for your comment. The questions are not necessarily the same and we never intend to judge anyone merely on their appearance.

-- Editor