Support growing for KPU over ex-corruption convict controversy

Sabtu, 2 Juni 2018 11:41 WIB

Political analyst of the Kupang Muhammadiyah University, Dr Ahmad Atang,

The draft regulation proposed by the General Election Commission deserves appreciation because it would help improve the reputation of the Parliament.

Kupang, E. Nusa Tenggara (AntaraNews NTT) - The General Election Commission (KPU)`s proposed draft regulation calling for rejection of attempt by ex-corruption convicts to contest the legislative elections in 2019 have won supports from different elements within the Indonesian society.

Political analyst of the Kupang Muhammadiyah University, Dr Ahmad Atang, said here on Saturday (2/6) that the draft regulation proposed by the General Election Commission deserves appreciation because it would help improve the reputation of the Parliament.

Dr Achmad Atang was responding to question about the controversy about the election commission`s proposed regulation disqualifying ex-corruption convicts as legislator candidates.

The KPU`s decision drew wide public sympathy especially from among anti-corruption activists including the Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK).

However, at the same time, the election commission has also been warned by those from the Election Watch Dog (Bawaslu), the House of Representatives, and even the government that it has gone too far beyond its authority against the state constitution if it goes ahead with its plan.

Dr Achmad Atang said everybody needs to support and appreciate the KPU`s decision. "In my opinion, the KPU`s decision is in line with national spirit, now strong against corruption," he said.

Two political parties, Golkar and PKS, have earlier thrown support for the KPU`s initiative.

"The policy is line with what has been the focus of Golkar at present with its tagline as pledged by its new general chairman, Airlangga Hartarto," Chairman of the party`s Ethic Council Mohammad Hatta said.

Hatta said, through its tagline of `Golkar Clean`, the party which has the second largest seats at the Parliament will sharpen the party`s principles to be complied with by its cadres.

"This means all legislator candidates of Golkar have to meet the criteria of having dedication and loyalty as well as being untarnished," he said.

The party`s Ethic Council has also formulated the party`s ethical code regulating sanction against cadres having indication of involvement in corruption without awaiting court decision.

"We hope the legislator candidates of the Golkar Party will emerge as the perfect figures both in characteristics as well as in mentality," he said.

Meanwhile, the Muslim-based Prosperous Justice Party (PKS) has also announced its support for the KPU regulation stripping ex-corruption convicts off the right to contest legislative election in 2019.

Both Golkar and PKS had already suffered a setback when their general chairmen were convicted for big corruption scandal.

In 2013, PKS President and legislator Luthfi Hasan Ishaaq was sentenced to 16 years in prison with a fine of Rp1 billion for his alleged role in beef importation quota fixing.

Then, in April this year, the special corruption court also punished Golkar General Chairman and House Speaker Setya Novanto with a 15 year prison term for graft.

Deputy Chairman of the Commission II of the Parliament Mardani Ali Sera said in a recent press statement that PKS appreciates the position taken by KPU chairman Arief Budiman in firmly defending the KPU`s proposed regulation.

Commenting on this issue, Vice President Jusuf Kalla has also said he agreed with the KPU in disallowing ex-corruption convicts from contesting the legislative election in 2019.

"I have given my agreement that the House of Representatives will be more credible. Yes, I support it," Jusuf Kalla said in his office on Wednesday.

President Joko Widodo, however, said that the Constitution gives the right for ex-corruption convicts to be elected members of legislative body. "Yes, it is their political right. The Constitution gives them that right," he said.

Regarding the KPU`s stance, President Joko Widodo said: "it is an area of the KPU to study the legality of its plan.

Therefore, he asked the KPU to study its move by suggesting that perhaps, the commission issue a regulation allowing ex-corruption convicts to contest legislative election but by giving them a mark "ex-corrupter".

KPU has already put the proposal in a draft regulation on candidates for members of the House of Representatives as well as provincial and district and city legislative bodies.