Akbar installs 13 legislators

Akbar installs 13 legislators

JAKARTA: Defying a ruling from the State Administrative Court
(PTUN) to delay the inauguration, House Speaker Akbar Tandjung
installed on Thursday 13 House members as part of the so-called
interim replacement.

Speaking after the ceremony, Akbar said that he insisted on
officiating at the ceremony for the 13 politicians, because he
had not yet received a copy of the ruling.

He said that the ruling was submitted to the President, not to
his office.

Responding to a lawsuit from the dismissed legislators, PTUN
suggested that President Megawati Soekarnoputri delay the
inauguration of the replacements.

"We respect the ruling and will be ready to give an
explanation," Akbar said on Thursday.

Of the 13 dismissed legislators, two were from the Reform
faction and 11 legislators were from the Golkar Party. -- Antara