FROM Sabang to Merauke is not just a four-word phrase,” said Rizal Mallarangeng, 43, in the opening of his political ad. The ad shown on a number of television stations since early July indicated the end of a contract between Rizal and National Mandate Party (PAN) Chairman Soetrisno Bachir, one which should have lasted until the end of April of next year.

“I don’t have a problem with Rizal. He has hopes, ambitions, an obsession, and he has