Judging Performance of Reform Era

After 15 years, it’s time to judge the performance of reform era. Having toppled Pak Harto in 1998, this era ushered in democracy and offered sweet dreams. The New Order which traded development for democracy and freedom was deemed to have failed. The New Order itself was the antithesis of The Old Order. The New Order relied the development on high-skilled foreign-educated technocrats, whereas The Old Older on politicians. The Reform Era is déjà vu where the politicians attain power and politics is put in command, again.

Let's Support The KPK

@The Jakarta Post

A maelstrom of debate popped up in the wake of the corruption case that implicated the Prosperous Justice Party (PKS). The evidence includes a bribe intercepted by the Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) worth Rp 1 billion (US$105,267) allegedly given indirectly to the former PKS chairman Luthfi Hasan Ishaaq by a private company to increase the beef quota.

The case ignited further debate after the KPK confiscated immense assets belonging to the suspects, including luxury cars, houses and gifts given to individuals, who were quick to disassociate themselves with the case.

Malaysia election a lesson for Indonesian parties

@ The Jakarta Post and @ Malaysia Insider

In the run-up to Malaysia’s general election on May 5, the Malaysian people have been offered two discerning choices. Either they let the National Front (BN) continue to govern for the next five years or they provide the opportunity for the opposition, People’s Alliance (Pakatan Rakyat), to take the helm. The voters know that if BN wins the election, Najib Razak will remain prime minister but if the opposition prevails, then former deputy prime minister Anwar Ibrahim will secure the top job.