Mahfud MD expresses his thanks in farewell speech

Outgoing Constitutional Court Chief Justice Mahfud MD expressed on Friday his gratitude to President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono, Vice President Boediono and all the officials who had supported him during his tenure as chief justice.

“The support made me more mature as a statesman,” Mafhud said, following a meeting at the State Palace on Friday, as reported by kompas.com.

The meeting was attended by both the President and Vice President, People’s Consultative Assembly (MPR) Speaker Taufiq Kiemas, House of Representatives' Speaker Marzuki Alie, Regional Representatives Council (DPD) Speaker Irman Gusman, Supreme Audit Agency (BPK) chief Hadi Poernomo, Judicial Commission chairman Eman Suparman and Supreme Court Chief Justice Hatta Ali.

The meeting discussed various strategic issues as well as a chance to say farewell to Mahfud, who will retire on April 1, 2013.

During the meeting, Mahfud also apologized for any mistake he may have made throughout his term.

“I do not deny the weaknesses pointed out by others. I also extend my apologies to journalists as well,” said Mahfud.

After retiring from his state duties, Mahfud said he would focus on academia. He confirmed that he already had a teaching schedule arranged, which would begin next month. As for politics, Mahfud said he had held discussions with a few political parties about future steps, but said that none of them were serious.(dic)