Shameless Episode of Political Clowns

http://www.thejakartapost.com/news/2015/03/10/your-letters-circuses-shame.html

As if it is not enough to see the blood-boiling circus at the councilors' House for the last few months, we shake our heads in frustration to witness another shameless acrobatic move of the local councilors at the Jakarta. Instead of entertaining the crowds, these political clowns depleted our energy, infuriated the masses and robbed us the peace. They acted like little annoying 'gremlin' who multiplied instantly and ready to destroy the neighborhood.

On the other side of the story, Governor Basuki “Ahok” Tjahaja Purnama with his typically unflinching and outspoken nature, inflamed the councilors more by reporting the city controversy budget irregularity and the councilors’ past mistakes the Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK). The already strained relationship between the legislative and executive worsened into a new stage. The councilors threatened to use their right of inquiry that could lead to the governor’s dismissal.

The saga continues, a blatant shameless politicking episode is displayed. Ahok fought head to toes, a fierce warrior of justice in the skin of a lamb, prone to be slaughtered and skinned alive by the pack of wolves. Winning seems a case of impossibility, as these cunning merciless wolves would remain as thorns in the government. The political atmosphere transforms into an active volcano, unpredictable when and how will it erupt. 

The obvious victim of such debacle is without a doubt, Jakartans and the development of it. In the absence of harmonious relationship between the two bodies, any reform agenda will be held a hostage. To have budget transparency and efficiency is an uphill battle.

The shameless act of the political clowns reminds me of the inspiring words of one of the world’s greatest leaders, Mahatma Gandhi, who once said that politics without principle is one of the deadly sins. Gandhi must have known that politics and principles are on the extreme polarities and they cannot be forced into a marriage of convenience.

All the more now, the shameless display of gutter politics going on in every news outlet make us more skeptical and our distrust to the politicians reduce below zero. The madness unfolding daily with shocking twists demonstrated by the lawmakers as well as government officials feels like truth is staring at us with a quirky smile. The result is what we have in full view of the public, the unfolding of a shameless comedic drama that is keeping the media occupied and the masses at large enraged.

Our esteemed lawmakers appear to be pretty occupied with enriching themselves and put efforts to save what little left of their pride. They have little concern or worry for the people which should be their priority. The infighting for power, with the musclemen trying to wade through the thick fog of deception for their personal gains, strengthens the sentiment felt for some years now that we, the people have enough of these political clowns.

The vileness displayed by each member in House has eroded the nano bit of hope and trust in the people.