MPR, DPD discuss constitutional amendment

The Jakarta Post ,  Jakarta   |  Mon, 09/08/2008 3:19 PM  |  National

Leaders of the People's Consultative Assembly (MPR) and the Regional Representative Council (DPD) met in Jakarta on Monday to discuss a proposal on constitutional amendment.

MPR speaker Hidayat Nurwahid chaired the meeting, which was attended by all political faction leaders in the MPR, as well as leaders of the DPD.

Speaking to the media after the meeting, DPD secretary Ichsan Loulembah said all faction leaders still had different opinions on the proposal.

However, he said, DPD was consistent in pursuing its campaign for the constitution amendment.

"DPD suggests setting up of a special team to deliberate amendments to the Constitution. The team's members should comprise of politicians at the MPR, prominent figures in the
community and academics," he was quoted by Antara news agency as saying.

In the past, the MPR has amended the 1945 Constitution four times, introducing bicameral political system and decentralization of functions.

Despite the adoption of the bicameral system, DPD still has no legislative power, and therefore, it demands another constitutional amendment. (rid)

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