Horse-trading delays bill talks

JAKARTA: The People's Consultative Assembly (MPR) chairman Amien Rais said on Friday that back room negotiations have slowed down the deliberation of the electoral bill.

He called on legislators deliberating the election bill to put aside their short-term party interests and be professional to endorse the draft as soon as possible.

"We hope the election bill can be endorsed soon. More delay will disrupt the elections," Amien said after the Friday prayer.

Legislators had delayed the endorsement of the election bill three times. The much-awaited bill was supposed to have been endorsed on Jan. 30 but was delayed until Feb. 11.

But, some lawmakers have already said that the endorsement would again be delayed until Feb. 18.

Amien reminded the public and the legislators that the term of President Megawati Soekarnoputri would end in October next year, therefore a presidential election needed to take place before that time. -- JP