"Don't Hate Political Parties": House Speaker

Malang, E Java (Antara) - House of Representatives (DPR) Chairman Marzuki Alie has asked students not to hate political parties, which he said serve as one of the pillars of democracies. "Don't hate political parties. If we do so, then who will improve this nation, because the political parties play an important role in the democratic system," he said during a lecture at the Muhammadiyah University in Malang, East Java, on Saturday. If political parties have many problems, the nation must improve the political system, rather than boycotting elections, Marzuki said. Rather, students will inherit the nation's leadership positions and must study politics, he said. Also, students must have a good knowledge of politics, without having to engage in practical politics, he said. Further, students should not turn a blind eye to politics, since laws that control all aspects of life are also the products of politics, he said. Marzuki added that the results of the 2014 legislative and presidential elections will determine the country's prospects. "We have talked much about the criteria needed for the upcoming president. But the post-election prospects of the country will continue to rely on the elections," he said. The elections are one of the democratic exercises, he said, adding, "Regardless of whether or not we like it, we must pass through this process." (*) Reporting by Endang Sukarelawati