FUG discusses fate at MPR

FUG discusses fate at MPR

JAKARTA: In an attempt to gather the views of politicians,
experts and the public, the Interest Group Faction (FUG) at the
People's Consultative Assembly (MPR) organized on Monday a panel
discussion on the composition of the Assembly.

The discussion was held with the aim of gathering input ahead
of the Annual Session on Nov. 1, in which lawmakers will remove
factions.

Although Article 2 (1) of the Constitution states that the
Assembly comprises House members, regional representatives and
interest groups, a draft amendment scheduled to be carried out on
Nov. 1 will stipulate that the Assembly comprises House members,
members of the regional legislature and representatives of
society.

Political expert Maswadi Rauf agreed with the omission of
factions, saying they would only create conflict among the
interest groups.

But senior lecturer Dahlan Ranuwiharjo suggested that the
current composition be maintained. "A combination of political
representatives and functional representatives is a great concept
inherited from our founding fathers," he said.

FUG vice-chairman Siswono Yudhohusodo, however, refused to
comment on the matter. -- JP