"If you want to become smart debaters and discussants, you all must become lifelong learners through the habit of reading. You should not just read news magazines but books as well," Kalla told them here on Monday.
Speaking before 560 legislative candidates participating in the National Democratic Party`s (Nasdem) orientation program here, he noted that they would not be passive during their legislative term if they were good debaters and discussants.
Kalla reminded them of the popular terms of "4 D and 5 D" in order to emphasize the passivity of certain legislators during their legislative term, because they come, sit, stay silent, receive salary, and, worse than that, get arrested.
The Indonesian terms of 4 D and 5 D stand for "datang" (come), "duduk" (sit), "diam" (keep silent), "duit" (get money), and "ditangkap" (be arrested).
Through their good ability of debating and discussing, the elected members of parliament would be able to find out the root cause of problems faced by the nation and seek the best solutions to them, Kalla remarked.
"Being a smart debater and discussant is an important for a legislative candidate. Therefore, please do not ever stop learning, reading, and discussing," he stated.
However, the legislators should also be good listeners because they must be able to absorb, voice, and struggle for the people`s aspirations, he noted, adding that the members of parliament should also play a role in maintaining the country`s political and economic stability.
They should also contribute to the instilment of virtues of nationalism in the Indonesian society, Kalla explained.
"Being stable is our common concern. Over the past two weeks, everybody discussed about the 18th Asian Games and not political matters. Therefore, it looks secure and peaceful. People even hug each other. It truly shows a virtue of nationalism," he remarked.
Nasdem has joined the coalition parties, which officially support incumbent President Joko Widodo (Jokowi) for being reelected in next year`s presidential race.
Along with his running mate, Ma`ruf Amin, Jokowi is challenged by Chief Patron of the Great Indonesia Movement (Gerindra), Prabowo Subianto, who has selected Sandiaga Uno, former deputy Jakarta governor, as his vice presidential candidate.
The other members of the coalition parties are the Muslim-based United Development Party, the Indonesian Democratic Party-Struggle (PDIP), Golkar Party, National Awakening Party (PKB), The United Indonesia Party (Perindo), the Indonesian Justice and Unity Partys (PKPI), and Indonesia Solidarity Party (PSI).
The Nasdem orientation program was opened by Jokowi on Saturday. It is aimed at preparing 560 legislative candidates of the Surya Paloh-led party to win at least 100 seats at the House of Representatives due to be contested in next year`s parliamentary elections.
Reported by Fransiska Ninditya
Edited by Rahmad Nasution
Reporter: antara
Editor: Heru Purwanto
Copyright © ANTARA 2018
