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