Cronyism not a factor in new MPR appointments: Akbar

Cronyism not a factor in new MPR appointments: Akbar

JAKARTA (JP): Minister/State Secretary Akbar Tandjung
dismissed speculation that the selection of 41 new members of the
People's Consultative Assembly (MPR), most of whom were sworn in
yesterday, was based on their close relationship with President
B.J. Habibie.

The appointments were based on their backgrounds, professions
and organizations, Akbar said yesterday.

"The President considers them as having the capacity to play a
positive role in the Assembly," he told journalists after a
hearing at the House of Representatives.

He conceded that several names could be perceived as being
close to Habibie, but said their selection was based more on
their ability to contribute to the synergy of the Assembly.

Assembly Speaker Harmoko yesterday swore in 39 of the new
members selected to replace members who had retired, resigned or
passed away.

Two others that were due to be sworn in were absent.

Dewi Fortuna Anwar was reportedly still abroad, while Tuti
Sinsun Gondong could not arrive in time for the ceremony because
she had missed her flight from her home in Manado, North
Sulawesi.

A few of the new members are ministers in the Cabinet, while
others either held posts in the past or are known to be close
associates with Habibie.

Cabinet ministers Farid Moeloek, Soleh Solahuddin, Boediono
and Bambang Soebianto were on the list while two of Habibie's
assistants, political scientist Dewi Fortuna Anwar and Let. Gen.
Sintong Panjaitan, were also included.

Journalist Parni Hadi, a close presidential advisor on media
affairs, was chosen as well.

Akbar maintained that the new members were not meant to
"cleanse" the Assembly from members who might be loyal to former
president Soeharto.

"The Assembly stands in the uppermost position in our
legislative hierarchy," he said.

The Assembly is Indonesia's highest institution with the
authority to elect a president and vice president and to set the
state policy guidelines.

The Assembly's composition could play a crucial role since it
is expected to hold an extraordinary session in December to set
the date for polls next year.

Separately, after the swearing-in ceremony yesterday, Harmoko
said more new members would be sworn-in in the near future. He
did not say when or how many would be replaced.

The ceremony for yesterday's new members gave a hurried
impression and one even admitted of only being told of her
appointment the night before.

"Pak Gafur called me last night at around 9 p.m. and told me
that I shouldn't plan for anything today because I had been
summoned to the Assembly," Ulla Nuchrawaty said referring to
Assembly deputy speaker Abdul Gafur.

"I immediately kissed the ground to thank God for the
opportunity," said the mother of two who has been a Golkar
activist for at least five years.

Ulla was an overnight replacement for noted economist
Christianto Wibisono who refused his appointment.

Christianto who was in Portland, the United States, said in a
faxed statement that it would be irresponsible for him to accept
the appointment for the sake of prestige alone and that he could
not come to Indonesia because he was staying with his family who
were recuperating from the traumatic events of the May riots.

"Due to my absence from the ceremony, I consequently state
that I cannot accept the appointment," Christianto said in the
letter. (emf)