Golkar Wishes to Strengthen Democracy: General Chairman

Jakarta (Antara) - Golkar Party wishes to develop a political tradition that would improve the quality of democracy in the country, the party's general chairman, Aburizal Bakrie, said. In his speech at the commemoration of the 49th anniversary of the party at the party headquarters here on Sunday, he said the party wished to develop a political tradition which is away from intrigues, politicking and political smearing. "We wish to develop a political tradition that would improve the quality of democracy," he said. He said Golkar wished to change the tradition of intrigues and smearing into a tradition of qualitative competition based on ideas and views as its political instruments. It will pioneer a political tradition which is away from pragmatic, transactional approaches and develop a productive tradition based on correct understanding that engaging in politics is a call and a fight to realize ideology or political ideals, he said. With regard to dynasty politics Aburizal said Golkar basically is a modern and democratic party and based on that Golkar respects and will not prohibit any citizen to engage in politics because it is part of his or her human right. He said "we must be able to put the issue proportionately. So long as he or she as part of the political dynasty performs well while at a public office, and is able to carry the mandate, transparent, accountable we must not immediately condemn the dynasty." The issue of political dynasty emerged following the arrest of Tubagus Chaery Wardana as a suspect in a bribery case involving suspended Constitutional Court Chief Justice Akil Mochtar. The husband of Tangerang Selatan mayor is also the younger brother of Ratu Atut Chosiyah, the governor of Banten Province. In connection with the case, Atut who is a Golkar cadre has been banned to travel abroad by the Corruption Eradication Commission. Golkar is one of the biggest political parties in Indonesia that will take part in the general elections next year, which will be followed by a presidential election later that year. The party has named Aburizal as its candidate for the presidential election. (*)