New Assembly to have a speaker and three deputies

New Assembly to have a speaker and three deputies

Kurniawan Hari, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta

The People's Consultative Assembly (MPR) will have one speaker
and three deputies that will reflect the composition of the House
of Representatives (DPR) and the Regional Representatives Council
(DPD), according to a document obtained by The Jakarta Post on
Saturday.

The draft of the Assembly's internal regulations, expected to
be endorsed on Sunday, is a guideline for the new Assembly
members who were elected in the April 5 general election.

The current Assembly comprises one speaker and eight deputies,
whose tasks are unclear.

The draft regulation sets out the tasks of the Assembly
leaders, which include presiding over Assembly meetings, drafting
agendas and sharing out the work between the Assembly speaker and
deputies.

For the first time, the regulation also mentions setting up an
Assembly Honorary Council. The four Assembly leaders
automatically become members of the council and each faction in
the Assembly is also represented.

The Council will have the authority to probe alleged
violations of the Assembly's internal regulations and its code of
ethics.

It also has the power to summon witnesses or others to give
information.

According to the draft regulation, an Assembly faction must
have at least 20 members. Political parties having less than 20
seats in the Assembly must join others to form a faction.

Regarding the Assembly's powers to amend the Constitution, any
proposal for an amendment must be submitted by at least one-third
of the Assembly members.

They must explain the reasons for the amendments to the
Assembly leaders who must discuss the changes within 90 days of
the proposal being submitted.

The Assembly is also preparing a draft of the DPD internal
regulations.

Assembly member Zain Badjeber said on Saturday the DPD
internal regulations would help members of the new body in their
work.

"In its very first meeting after the inauguration on Oct. 1,
the DPD can revise the regulations," Zain, of the United
Development Party (PPP), said.

A.M. Luthfi from the National Mandate Party (PAN) said the
Assembly's decision to prepare a draft should not be seen as
interference.

The draft DPD regulations require the institution have one
speaker and two deputies. The DPD will also has an Honorary
Council in charge of the image, dignity, and credibility of DPD.