Deputy Minister Fahri Hamzah Responds to Saiful Mujani on Toppling Prabowo
Deputy Minister for Housing and Settlement Areas (PKP) Fahri Hamzah has called on all parties to remain committed to the principles of constitutional democracy in national life.
He made this statement in response to a video clip of remarks by Saiful Mujani urging the toppling of the Prabowo Subianto government.
“So we suggest that we discuss within the framework of constitutional democracy. Do not allow space for unconstitutional actions because that would be dangerous,” Fahri said at the Presidential Palace Complex in Jakarta on Monday (6/4).
He also noted that the President, as the executive, is not the only branch of power that can be held accountable for government performance.
Fahri alluded to other branches of power that can also be demanded to account for their performance.
He further urged all parties to engage in mutual self-reflection. Fahri described the current global situation as full of uncertainties, requiring unity among all sides.
“Especially when talking about Mr Prabowo, he has no ill intentions. All of this is for the people,” he said.
Saiful Mujani is a Professor of Political Science at UIN Syarif Hidayatullah and founder of the research, political consultancy, and policy firm Saiful Mujani Research and Consulting (SMRC).
Recently, a clip of his video narrative calling for the toppling of the government has gone viral on social media.
In the clip, Mujani spoke at the ‘Halal Bihalal Pengamat’ event.
“Yes, only we can do it, the people; ’98 would not have happened if the people and friends didn’t come down, the MPR wouldn’t have brought down Suharto, it wouldn’t have,” Mujani said in the clip referenced by Hasan.
Mujani’s remarks were also responded to by former PCO head Hasan Nasbi, who strongly criticised the statement. Via his Instagram @hasan_nasbi, he expressed his disappointment and countered the criticism against Saiful Mujani.
“I am compelled to express my disappointment,” Hasan said on his Instagram, quoted on Monday (6/4).
Hasan took aim at several parties who claim to be democracy fighters but in practice only recognise democracy when the government aligns with their interests.
Hasan also referred to such individuals as often tempted to make statements that exceed boundaries, including calls to topple the government.
He suggested that people like that do not understand the essence of democracy, which contradicts their claims as democracy advocates.
“Especially the one calling to topple the president is a professor of political science, a political consultant, a pollster,” he said.