Jakarta (ANTARA News) - A noted historian has expressed strong criticism against public officials, who appear in advertisements, terming the practice shameful.

"Actually the public officials` appearance in advertisements is shameful" Anhar Gonggong said on Friday.

He was of the view that officials` appearance in various advertisements had so far been very damaging, adding that this not only violated ethical norms, but more than that.

"This is a question of leadership. The position of leaders is different from that of the common man. They are our country's managers," Gonggong stated.

He specifically criticized State Enterprises Minister Dahlan Iskan, West Java Deputy Governor Dedy Mizwar and House Speaker Marzuki Alie, who have continued to appear in television advertisements.

"As public officials they cannot become advertising stars. They must be aware that they are public leaders and as public leaders they have exclusive positions," Gonggong noted.

He pointed out that in the 1950s there was a regulation banning the practice and urged the House of Representatives to regulate the current scenario so that it would not cause further damage.

Reporting by Jaka Suryo
(H-YH/INE)
EDITED BY INE
(KR-BSR/A014)

Editor: Jafar M Sidik
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