Absurdity of our

Absurdity of our
legislators

From Koran Tempo

Some members of the House of Representatives are attempting to
interpellate President Megawati Soekarnoputri regarding two
matters. The Reform faction of the House wants to exercise its
right to interpellation regarding the sale of assets of state-
owned enterprises in connection with the government's release and
discharge policy.

And Commission I of the House will interpellate the President
regarding the loss of Sipadan and Ligitan islands.

It is true that the House enjoys the right of interpellation
in carrying out its function as a watchdog. There is certainly
nothing wrong with exercising this right, especially with respect
to matters that are strategic and significant to our nation.

Surely, the people will support the exercise of this right as
long as it is in the context of the function of the House and not
intended as a way of politicking to grab power.

Unfortunately, it is often the case that this interpellation
right is used only in pursuit of the political interests of the
parties represented in the House. In this regard, the House must
realize that it has failed to deal with its own internal matters,
such as the case involving House Speaker Akbar Tanjung or another
case involving allegations of bribery.

It seems, therefore, that the House is doing things only to
please itself. Legislators have also made trips abroad under the
pretext of comparative studies. Who knows, maybe they have also
received collective bribes?

Indeed, House members are seeking pleasure for themselves
while the people they claim to represent live in great misery.
Our House of Representatives is truly absurd, then.

DJOKO SUSILO
Jakarta