Kalla wants lawmakers punished

Kalla wants lawmakers punished

JAKARTA: Golkar Party chairman and Vice President Jusuf Kalla
said he wants his party's faction in the House of Representatives
to decide whether to punish four of its legislators who joined a
much-criticized visit to Egypt.

"It is up to the Golkar faction to decide," he said after a
ceremony at the vice presidential office here on Thursday.

Earlier in the day, Kalla said the Golkar legislators -- Ebby
Djauharie, Soeharsojo, Mukhtarudin and Zainudin Amali -- should
not have taken part in the "study tour" to Egypt along with 11
other lawmakers.

The trip, which cost US$76,170, drew strong criticism from
fellow House members and many community members who questioned
its urgency and appropriateness.

In addition, critics also lament a lack of transparency, with
the participants spending much of the time on recreational
activities.

The National Mandate Party (PAN) has decided to recall its
legislator, Djoko Edhie Soetjipto, for joining the trip, which
the party said was against its policy. --JP