Executives don't have to quit political parties: Akbar

JAKARTA (JP): Political party leaders are not required to leave their party posts after being appointed to government positions, despite public demands that they do so, House of Representatives Speaker Akbar Tandjung said.

"It is not mandatory. They don't have to quit their positions in their respective parties," he said at his office on Monday.

He admitted that maintaining party leadership while holding a government post could give rise to a conflict of interest.

"But even if they quit their party posts there is no guarantee that there will not be a conflict of interest," he said, as quoted by Antara.

Therefore, he said, it is the public's duty to supervise all policies undertaken by the government to prevent any conflicts of interest.

Many observers here have suggested that government officials should relinquish active membership in political parties so that they can concentrate on their duties.

At least three political party leaders have been appointed as government officials: President Megawati Soekarnoputri, chairwoman of the Indonesian Democratic Party of Struggle (PDI Perjuangan); Vice President Hamzah Haz, chairman of the United Development Party (PPP); and Minister of Justice and Human Rights Yusril Ihza Mahendra, chairman of the Crescent Star Party (PBB).

"The policies undertaken by executives are not the same as the ones taken by the legislature. Executives' policies immediately affect the public," he added.

State Minister of Cooperatives and Small and Medium Enterprises Alimarwan Hanan firmly expressed his refusal to leave his position as PPP's secretary-general, saying there is no reason to do so.

"There is no regulation on that, so I will not leave my position as PPP secretary-general. Instead, I will work harder for my party," he said after the new administration's first Cabinet meeting on Monday.

Meanwhile, PDI Perjuangan secretary-general Sutjipto said that Megawati was still needed as party chairwoman although she was now the country's president.

"PDI Perjuangan still needs Ibu Megawati as the uniting element of the party. We are not yet ready for her to leave the party," he told television station Metro TV. (bby)