Therefore, Akbar said here on Saturday, if other party factions in the House move for exercising the right to state the House`s opinion on the case, "Golkar must go along so that the matter can be settled conclusively."
Speaking at a national discussion themed "Nationalism and National Awakening" here, Akbar said he had also told Golkar Party chairman Aburizal Bakrie that the House should use its right to state its opinion on the Bank Century case. "So, if the other party factions in the House want to exercise the right, Golkar must give its support," he said.
The national discussion, organized by the Golkar Party`s Yogyakarta chapter, was also attended by Yogyakarta Governor Sri Sultan Hamengku Buwono X and hundreds of Golkar Party cadres.
Akbar on the occasion also asked Golkar to take steps as a follow-up to the House`s official stance that there were many facts in the Bank Century case strongly proving the commitment of irregularities resembling corruption. To substantiate this conclusion, the Golkar Party was now only waiting for the outcome of a forensic audit by the Supreme Audit Board (BPK).
However, Akbar added, if efforts to settle the Bank Century legally prove ineffectual, the House should continue its efforts through a political process, namely using its right to state its opinion.
He said conditions in society were now becoming increasingly unbearable, the people were losing hope while in practical state affairs, the government appeared to be unable to do anything. Even in cases where people were treated unjustly or arbitrarily, the government chooses to keep quiet, he said.
Yet, under the Constitution , the government was required to protect the people, Akbar said. Illustrating his charge of the government`s indifference to the people`s problems, he said there was even a high state official who had said that Indonesians who could no longer stand conditions in the country had better move to another country.
"We know that more and more people in the country are now becoming discontented, Golkar must heed the voice of the people because that is Golkar`s voice. I have spoken to Ical (Aburizal Bakrie) that we must convey the people`s criticisms to the government so that they know," Akbar said.
Akbar also referred to the self-immolation incident that happened in front of the State Palace on Friday, saying it was a blatant sign of the people`s desperation,
Gandung Wardiman, chairman of Golkar Party`s Yogyakarta chapter, who apparently felt the discussion was becoming overheated abruptly declared the meeting closed.
He said the discussion was not meant to denounce or discredit any party but to find solutions to problems related to nationalism.
The Golkar Party should not take part in efforts to topple Susilo Bambang Yudhoyno (SBY), he said. But if SBY had to fall naturally, it should be through a constitutional process, he said.
"I must say this so that Golkar does not join efforts to unseat SBY. I also see frustration in society about the chaotic conditions in the country but Golkar should not take part in negative initiatives," Gandung said.
(T.J004/HAJM/H-YH)
Editor: Priyambodo RH
Copyright © ANTARA 2011
