Revocation of regulation on governor's accountability sought
Revocation of regulation on governor's accountability sought
JAKARTA (JP): Observers on Tuesday demanded the government
revoke its regulation on the requirement for governors to present
an accountability speech, saying that the law still has many
loopholes which could be exploited.
Political observer Andi Mallarangeng, in a discussion here on
Tuesday, noted the lack of a clear benchmark as to when
councillors should use their right to demand accountability of
the governor.
"The governor's accountability speech is not an arena to
dismiss the governor. It is an opportunity to improve the
responsibility of the city administration," said Andi.
Regulation No.108/2000 allows the city council to demand the
governor resign from his post if he is believed to be involved in
corruption or any criminal offense.
He warned of possible collusion and corrupt practices in such
instances as there is an absence of standard mechanisms to
control the situation.
Andi also expressed concern about an article in the regulation
which extends presidential authority over the governor.
Article 29 states that the President can dismiss the governor
and his deputy should a specific presidential assignment remain
unfulfilled.
Separately, deputy speaker of the City Council, Djafar
Badjeber of the United Development faction (PPP), who also
attended the discussion, concurred and also raised concern over
the regulation.
Djafar raised objections to Article 19 in the regulation which
stipulates that a rejection of the governor's accountability
speech must be approved by at least two-thirds of the total
councillors attending a plenary session and must represent all 11
factions.
There are 85 seats in the council.
Djafar criticized this restriction which would make it more
difficult to dismiss the governor, arguing that just one faction
could veto attempts to eject a governor, despite a majority of
councillors supporting it.
He said his faction was preparing a demand that the Supreme
Court conduct a judicial review of the regulation.(07)