Fri, 11 Oct 2002

President's rights

The Jakarta Post on Oct. 8 published an article with the headline President urges attorney general to resign: Source

If this is correct I find it strange that the President would urge the attorney general to resign, while the President, according to the law, has the power to appoint and dismiss ministers and Cabinet-level officials.

If that news item is correct, then this means that the President is shifting the responsibility to the attorney general. So if trouble (technical or political) arises in the future, the President can say that it was not her decision, that the attorney general asked for it himself.

But if this item is just a rumor, then why would The Jakarta Post, which is known for its accuracy, print it?

SOEGIH ARTO

Jakarta