Bribery tarnishes image of DPR

Bribery tarnishes image of DPR

From Rakyat Merdeka

The chairman of the House of Representatives' Commission V, Surya Dharma Ali of the United Development Party (PPP), has made comments that may be considered counterproductive to the efforts to uphold the law in Indonesia. Ali's comments, which were made in support of A.M. Fatwa, could be construed as legislative intervention in the work of the police in uncovering bribery in the House.

Farid R. Faqih, the director of Government Watch (GOWA), was right to say that as the police were handling this case, members of House Commission V should make no comment at all. As has been reported in the media, A.M. Fatwa and Surya Dharma Ali had knowledge of this bribery case.

Ali should be suspected as from the very beginning tried to have this case shelved by means of arranging a meeting between A.M. Fatwa and Permadi. Thanks to Permadi's courage, the bribery case, which has tarnished the House's reputation, has been reported in the mass media.

There are several steps that the police and the prosecutors should take to investigate this case. First, an investigation should be launched into Ali's statement, which has served to defend A.M. Fatwa in this case.

Second, the PPP should strongly reprimand Ali as his intervention in this case could damage the image of the PPP. Because of what Ali has done, the PPP may lose votes in the 2004 election.

Third, A.M. Fatwa and Permadi must in a gentlemanly manner hold a public debate without involving their attorneys so that the public may know who is lying in this case.

Fourth, the youth wing of the National Mandate Party (PAN) and PAN voters in the 1999 election must immediately urge PAN to expel A.M. Fatwa from the party. Afterwards, it must immediately find somebody else to replace Fatwa in the House.

In this way, PAN can save itself before the 2004 election, prove itself a true a reformist party and boost its votes. It is only daydreaming to hope that Fatwa will resign from PAN and the House of his own volition.

MUHAMMAD AGUNG ISTOWO

California

United States