'Eradicating corruption a priority'

JAKARTA: The House of Representatives Commission II for domestic and legal affairs has urged Minister of Justice and Human Rights Yusril Ihza Mahendra to make setting laws to eradicate corruption his top priority.

Speaking at a hearing with Yusril and his staff on Monday, commission chairman Teras Narang said the country's anticorruption drive had failed to live up to public expectations due to weak legislation to cope with the crime.

"The commission expects the ministry, in accordance with its authority, to continuously and consistently try to realize a transparent judicial system which is needed to deal with corruption and human rights violations," Teras said.

He added that a blend of professionalism and moral integrity was mandatory in the making of laws related to corruption eradication.

The ministry is preparing 25 draft laws on legal and judicial affairs. -- JP