Bribery tarnishes image of DPR<\/p>\n
From Rakyat Merdeka<\/p>\n
The chairman of the House of Representatives' Commission V,
\nSurya Dharma Ali of the United Development Party (PPP), has made
\ncomments that may be considered counterproductive to the efforts
\nto uphold the law in Indonesia. Ali's comments, which were made
\nin support of A.M. Fatwa, could be construed as legislative
\nintervention in the work of the police in uncovering bribery in
\nthe House.<\/p>\n
Farid R. Faqih, the director of Government Watch (GOWA), was
\nright to say that as the police were handling this case, members
\nof House Commission V should make no comment at all. As has been
\nreported in the media, A.M. Fatwa and Surya Dharma Ali had
\nknowledge of this bribery case.<\/p>\n
Ali should be suspected as from the very beginning tried to
\nhave this case shelved by means of arranging a meeting between
\nA.M. Fatwa and Permadi. Thanks to Permadi's courage, the bribery
\ncase, which has tarnished the House's reputation, has been
\nreported in the mass media.<\/p>\n
There are several steps that the police and the prosecutors
\nshould take to investigate this case. First, an investigation
\nshould be launched into Ali's statement, which has served to
\ndefend A.M. Fatwa in this case.<\/p>\n
Second, the PPP should strongly reprimand Ali as his
\nintervention in this case could damage the image of the PPP.
\nBecause of what Ali has done, the PPP may lose votes in the 2004
\nelection.<\/p>\n
Third, A.M. Fatwa and Permadi must in a gentlemanly manner
\nhold a public debate without involving their attorneys so that
\nthe public may know who is lying in this case.<\/p>\n
Fourth, the youth wing of the National Mandate Party (PAN) and
\nPAN voters in the 1999 election must immediately urge PAN to
\nexpel A.M. Fatwa from the party. Afterwards, it must immediately
\nfind somebody else to replace Fatwa in the House.<\/p>\n
In this way, PAN can save itself before the 2004 election,
\nprove itself a true a reformist party and boost its votes. It is
\nonly daydreaming to hope that Fatwa will resign from PAN and the
\nHouse of his own volition.<\/p>\n
MUHAMMAD AGUNG ISTOWO<\/p>\n
California<\/p>\n
United States<\/p>", "url": "https:\/\/jawawa.id\/newsitem\/bribery-tarnishes-image-of-dpr-1447893297", "image": "" }, "sponsor": "Okusi Associates", "sponsor_url": "https:\/\/okusiassociates.com" }