Feel strongly about these letters, or any other aspects of the news? Share your views by emailing us your Letter to the Editor at [email protected] or filling in this Google form. Submissions should not exceed 400 words, and must include your full name and address, plus a phone number for verification.I refer to the article, “Indonesia’s top judge ordered to resign over ruling allowing Joko Widodo’s son to run as VP” (November 7).As chief justice, Anwar Usman, the brother-in-law of Indonesian President Joko Widodo, presided over a ruling that paved the way for Widodo’s son – Anwar’s nephew – to circumvent the age limit and run as a vice-presidential candidate in the coming election. A public outcry over the conflict of interest triggered a probe that led to his stepping down as chief justice.
Anwar’s dismissal reflects an Indonesian society that increasingly expects politicians and public servants to uphold moral values. Indonesians are also wary of political dynasties.
As the largest economy in Southeast Asia, Indonesia needs capable political leaders who can enhance social welfare at home while playing an active role on the international stage amid geopolitical tensions. Nepotism has no place in a society with well-informed voters.
The judicial panel’s ruling that Anwar was guilty of an ethical violation should be a wake-up call for the country. Indonesia has suffered for 32 years under the Suharto regime, marred by corruption, collusion and nepotism. Modern Indonesia must evolve into a more democratic nation led by a governing team drawn from fresh talent.
In the coming weeks, campaigning will begin in earnest for the general election that will take place on February 14. The three presidential candidates – Anies Baswedan, Ganjar Pranowo and Prabowo Subianto – must affirm their commitment to preserving moral values in politics. While it may sound utopian, Indonesia should demand nothing less from its would-be leaders.
Muhammad Alif Alauddin, The Hague, the Netherlands
Middle East reporting has not forged understanding
Travelling around the Middle East this past month has made me newly conscious of the inadequacy of media coverage and the falsity of so-called breaking news. TV anchors warn breathlessly of the imminent danger of “regional conflict”; yet both the US and China are determined to prevent it – one of the few matters on which they agree.
Journalists repeat mindlessly the Israeli boast that it will uproot Hamas from Gaza in the same way that Islamic State was eradicated; yet Hamas with its deep roots among the Gazan people is more like the Taliban than Islamic State.
The commentariat focuses exclusively on how the death toll among Palestinian civilians is eroding international support for Israel; yet the untold story is the rapidly eroding support among Israelis for Likud and Benjamin Netanyahu’s strategic designs.
Despite intense news coverage in crisis after crisis, the Middle East remains one of the least understood areas of our world.
Amr El Henawy, former Egyptian consul general in Hong Kong and Macau
Why it’s important to vote in district council election
The main function of the district councils is to advise the government on matters affecting the well-being of the people as well as on the proper use of taxpayer funds in the provision of public facilities and services within the district. District councillors can act as bridges that help convey government policies and support their implementation for the benefit of local residents. They can reflect to the government what would work or not in the district. If the mechanism works well, lives can be improved.
For policies to succeed, the government has to understand the needs of the people thoroughly. It needs to come up with good policies that include short-, medium- and long-term solutions to residents’ problems.
The current government has made an effort to reach out to the community. Chief Executive John Lee Ka-chiu’s policy address last month mapped out his proposed solutions to the various issues we are facing. Our would-be district councillors must understand how these policies are drawn up and how best they can be delivered to better lives.
We need councillors who not only have a heart to serve, but who also have a proper understanding of government policies and a willingness to support the administration in its efforts. In other words, district councillors must work as teammates of the government.
With the national security vetting measures in place, we can rest assured that those elected will not abuse their position to harm the community, Hong Kong or our country.
As Hongkongers, we should exercise our civic duty to vote for the candidates who best fit the bill. With only about a month to go before the election on December 10, all voters should make an effort to understand the background, experience and vision of the candidates in their district. Those eligible should exercise their right to vote on election day. Choosing the right candidates is a step towards improving our community.
Lusan Hung, Wan Chai
Source link : https://amp.scmp.com/comment/letters/article/3241442/indonesians-demand-clean-break-nations-dark-past-corruption-and-nepotism
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Publish date : 2023-11-15 03:00:00
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