PAN objects to payments to legislators<\/p>\n
YOGYAKARTA (JP): President B.J. Habibie's decision to award Rp
\n150 million to each outgoing member of the House of
\nRepresentatives is excessive, National Mandate Party (PAN)
\nsecretary-general Faisal Basri said on Saturday.<\/p>\n
He was referring to a report last week on the decision. The
\nHouse, however, has said it has not been informed of the plan.<\/p>\n
A total of Rp 75 billion has been allocated for the purpose.<\/p>\n
Faisal said the decision reflected the administration's lack
\nof urgency in dealing with the state's problems.<\/p>\n
He said Habibie intended to reward legislators for their
\nefforts to draft legislation which increased his credibility, but
\nalso sparked controversy.<\/p>\n
He said if the draft bill on national defense currently being
\ndebated by the House was ratified, it would make the President
\nvery happy.<\/p>\n
\"The money cannot be interpreted as a bribe, but more as an
\nincentive for (the President's) loyal House members,\" Faisal
\nsaid.<\/p>\n
He said the plan was as excessive as recent state awards given
\nto several people, including controversial figures.<\/p>\n
One recipient was businessman A.A. Baramuli, a Golkar Party
\nexecutive who is suspected of corruption.<\/p>\n
\"It appears that we are being encouraged to take Baramuli as
\nour role model in order to receive the award,\" Faisal said.
\n(06\/44)<\/p>",
"url": "https:\/\/jawawa.id\/newsitem\/pan-objects-to-payments-to-legislators-1447893297",
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