Amien exhorts House to remain critical of govt
Kurniawan Hari, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta
Former speaker of the People's Consultative Assembly (MPR) Amien Rais called on the House of Representatives on Monday to maintain its critical attitude toward the new government in order to bring about positive changes in the country.
"If the government keeps on giving promises to people about what it will do in its first 100 days, the House must remain critical until the government takes concrete action," Amien said during the launch of a book written by House Speaker Agung Laksono here on Monday.
The book launch was also attended by President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono, businessman William Soeryadjaya, numerous politicians and Muslim preacher Abdullah Gymnastiar.
Amien suggested that the House, under the leadership of Agung, could improve its role in lawmaking and budget drafting.
The House has become a target of criticism following a crippling power struggle among party factions almost immediately after legislators were sworn in on Oct. 1.
The struggle for power delayed bill deliberations and other necessary business. House members went on recess on Dec. 11 and will not come back until Jan. 7. They still have not begun deliberation on any bills.
Amien, who promised to relinquish his post of leader of the National Mandate Party (PAN) in February, said that he hoped there would be better relations between the House and the government in the future.
Meanwhile, President Susilo said that he hoped the House members would truly live up to their titles as representatives of the people. He added there must be good relations between the government and the House.
"The House must carry out effective supervision of the government's policies, otherwise the nation will be at a disadvantage," he stated.
Susilo said that the constituents of the President, the House, and the Regional Representatives Council (DPD) were the same people, and so all must carry out their duties in accordance with the Constitution.
"Please, my fellow legislators, you need to continue the supervisory role of the government, so we can make improvements," Susilo said.