Cronyism not a factor in new MPR appointments: Akbar<\/p>\n
JAKARTA (JP): Minister\/State Secretary Akbar Tandjung
\ndismissed speculation that the selection of 41 new members of the
\nPeople's Consultative Assembly (MPR), most of whom were sworn in
\nyesterday, was based on their close relationship with President
\nB.J. Habibie.<\/p>\n
The appointments were based on their backgrounds, professions
\nand organizations, Akbar said yesterday.<\/p>\n
"The President considers them as having the capacity to play a
\npositive role in the Assembly," he told journalists after a
\nhearing at the House of Representatives.<\/p>\n
He conceded that several names could be perceived as being
\nclose to Habibie, but said their selection was based more on
\ntheir ability to contribute to the synergy of the Assembly.<\/p>\n
Assembly Speaker Harmoko yesterday swore in 39 of the new
\nmembers selected to replace members who had retired, resigned or
\npassed away.<\/p>\n
Two others that were due to be sworn in were absent.<\/p>\n
Dewi Fortuna Anwar was reportedly still abroad, while Tuti
\nSinsun Gondong could not arrive in time for the ceremony because
\nshe had missed her flight from her home in Manado, North
\nSulawesi.<\/p>\n
A few of the new members are ministers in the Cabinet, while
\nothers either held posts in the past or are known to be close
\nassociates with Habibie.<\/p>\n
Cabinet ministers Farid Moeloek, Soleh Solahuddin, Boediono
\nand Bambang Soebianto were on the list while two of Habibie's
\nassistants, political scientist Dewi Fortuna Anwar and Let. Gen.
\nSintong Panjaitan, were also included.<\/p>\n
Journalist Parni Hadi, a close presidential advisor on media
\naffairs, was chosen as well.<\/p>\n
Akbar maintained that the new members were not meant to
\n"cleanse" the Assembly from members who might be loyal to former
\npresident Soeharto.<\/p>\n
"The Assembly stands in the uppermost position in our
\nlegislative hierarchy," he said.<\/p>\n
The Assembly is Indonesia's highest institution with the
\nauthority to elect a president and vice president and to set the
\nstate policy guidelines.<\/p>\n
The Assembly's composition could play a crucial role since it
\nis expected to hold an extraordinary session in December to set
\nthe date for polls next year.<\/p>\n
Separately, after the swearing-in ceremony yesterday, Harmoko
\nsaid more new members would be sworn-in in the near future. He
\ndid not say when or how many would be replaced.<\/p>\n
The ceremony for yesterday's new members gave a hurried
\nimpression and one even admitted of only being told of her
\nappointment the night before.<\/p>\n
"Pak Gafur called me last night at around 9 p.m. and told me
\nthat I shouldn't plan for anything today because I had been
\nsummoned to the Assembly," Ulla Nuchrawaty said referring to
\nAssembly deputy speaker Abdul Gafur.<\/p>\n
"I immediately kissed the ground to thank God for the
\nopportunity," said the mother of two who has been a Golkar
\nactivist for at least five years.<\/p>\n
Ulla was an overnight replacement for noted economist
\nChristianto Wibisono who refused his appointment.<\/p>\n
Christianto who was in Portland, the United States, said in a
\nfaxed statement that it would be irresponsible for him to accept
\nthe appointment for the sake of prestige alone and that he could
\nnot come to Indonesia because he was staying with his family who
\nwere recuperating from the traumatic events of the May riots.<\/p>\n
"Due to my absence from the ceremony, I consequently state
\nthat I cannot accept the appointment," Christianto said in the
\nletter. (emf)<\/p>",
"url": "https:\/\/jawawa.id\/newsitem\/cronyism-not-a-factor-in-new-mpr-appointments-akbar-1447893297",
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