MPs need code of conduct: Scholars

JAKARTA (JP): Political observers and scholars called on the government on Wednesday to introduce a code of conduct for members of the House of Representatives to enable them to behave more prudently and wisely in channeling the aspirations of the people they represent.

Speaking at a one-day seminar on "Political Ethics and Morale in a Democracy" Siswono Yudohusodo, a former transmigration minister and Koesnadi Hardjasoemantri, former rector of the prestigious Gadjah Mada University, said that incumbent legislators have repeatedly shown their immature attitude in exercising their political rights.

"Ignorance of political ethics among the legislators is evidenced by a recurrent trade of insults against each other, highlighted by money politics and political engineering," commented Siswono, currently the chairman of the Association of Indonesian Farmers (HKTI).

He pointed out that such unhealthy political undertakings has worried the general public.

"There has been public concern over the degradation of political ethics so we do need a guideline for the legislators in carrying out their duty as the representatives of the people," he added.

He said many legislators, who were elected by the people, have acted either for their own personal interest and/or that of their political parties or for the benefit of the people they are representing.

"Many of our politicians follow the Machiavellian view, which totally separates ethics from politics, and which justifies all means to achieve their goals," he said, noting that a set of guidelines for politicians is needed to achieve true democracy.

He also said that true democracy requires certain limitations and social control as stipulated in the country's constitution.

Koesnadi, meanwhile, suggested that such a code of conduct could regulate the attitudes of legislators in the same manner as the journalists' code of ethics would of reporters and editors.

"For example every legislator should know an ethical way to interrupt the sessions, or how to restrain themselves from giving illogical statements on certain problems that they do not understand," Koesnadi said.

Citing an example of the attitude of many legislators during the interpellation motion with President Abdurrahman Wahid last week, Koesnadi said the legislators had demonstrated their hostile attitude towards the head of state.

"The code of conduct should also be socialized to the general public so that they could control the legislators in performing their duty," Koesnadi remarked. (dja)