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PDI-P suspends House member over sex scandal
The Indonesian Democratic Party of Struggle (PDI-P) on Monday suspended House of Representatives member Max Moein from "strategic duties" pending an investigation into sexual harassment charges against the lawmaker
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The Indonesian Democratic Party of Struggle (PDI-P) on Monday suspended House of Representatives member Max Moein from "strategic duties" pending an investigation into sexual harassment charges against the lawmaker.
PDI-P secretary-general Pramono Anung Wibowo said the party had decided to temporarily bar the senior politician from "important" assignments, including his participation in House special commissions deliberating bills, to allow him to focus on his case.
Pramono said Max would continue his routine duties as a lawmaker on House Commission XI overseeing financial affairs.
"We uphold the presumption of innocence. But if the House disciplinary council finds him guilty, the party will immediately dismiss him from the House," Pramono said.
The case involves an accusation that Max sexually harassed his private secretary, identified as Desy Vidyawati, who has since quit. The disciplinary council has questioned both Max and his former secretary.
Desy told the council Max repeatedly harassed her when she worked as his secretary from 2005 to 2006. The alleged incidents occurred inside Max's office in the House building.
Max has denied the accusation.
The council will confront both Max and Desy in a hearing scheduled for June 18 at the latest.
The scandal became public in late May when a photo of a bare-chested Max and an unidentified woman circulated among journalists. Max said the picture was taken at a swimming pool and was not unusual.
The House's code of ethics does not specifically govern sexual harassment, requiring only that lawmakers "treat work partners professionally".
Punishments for violations of the internal rulings range from a formal reprimand to dismissal from House strategic positions or the House itself.
"If Desy's testimony is proven, I think there is no other sanction but dismissal," Anshori Siregar, a member of the House's disciplinary council, said Monday.
Golkar lawmaker Yahya Zaini resigned in December 2006 over his affair with dangdut singer Maria Eva. The disciplinary council was investigating a graphic video of Yahya and the singer when he resigned.
While Max is struggling to salvage his reputation, fellow lawmakers are making a joke of him.
During the recent deliberation of the state secrecy bill, PDI-P lawmaker Permadi, deliberately or not, pronounced "secrecy" as "secretary". Head of Commission I overseeing defense and foreign affairs, Theo L Sambuaga, commented: "Pak Permadi mispronounced the word because 'secretary' is very popular lately." (alf)
