Code of conduct in DPR

Code of conduct in DPR

From Kompas

I watched SCTV's live report on the introductory address for the draft state budget delivered by the vice president on Jan. 20, 2000, and observed that a number of members of the House of Representatives were not in the convention room but stayed outside instead, doing such activities as smoking, talking on cellular telephones, chatting and giving interviews to the media (including SCTV).

Regardless of whether or not the activities outside the convention room could be postponed, the situation referred to above has aroused my curiosity about whether or not there is a code of conduct for attending a session at the House, because as shown in the live television report some House members freely went into and out of the convention room to do what they wanted.

The activities of these House members outside the convention room, as shown on television, gives the impression that they were not earnest enough in helping solve the serious problems that the nation is facing. So the saying that they simply come, sit and get money is really applicable to them. However, more ironically, while the introductory address for the draft state budget was still being read, a House member gave an interview to an SCTV reporter in which he expressed his appreciation for the draft state budget. The question is, when did this House member learn about the draft state budget?

According to the norm of politeness, a student is not allowed to leave the classroom without the teacher's permission, especially if he wants to leave the classroom only to have a cigarette, a chat or make a telephone call. Only when a student has an urgent need to go to the toilet is he allowed to leave the classroom. The people are now longing for reliable representatives.

BAMBANG UTOMO

Jakarta