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Supreme Court defends Suhartoyo for MK
The Supreme Court has stood by its decision to appoint Denpasar High Court judge Suhartoyo as a new justice at the Constitutional Court (MK) after a report emerged indicating the candidate may be involved in corruption
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T
he Supreme Court has stood by its decision to appoint Denpasar High Court judge Suhartoyo as a new justice at the Constitutional Court (MK) after a report emerged indicating the candidate may be involved in corruption.
The Judicial Commission protested the appointment of Suhartoyo given an investigation into his involvement in the controversial release of businessman Sudjiono Timan, who was charged in a corruption case concerning BLBI liquidity fund support that caused Rp 2.2 trillion in state losses.
Suhartoyo was on the panel of judges at the South Jakarta District Court that delivered the verdict.
'As part of the government, it is better [for the Supreme Court and Judicial Commission] to respect each other's authority,' said Supreme Court deputy chief justice Suwardi on Sunday as quoted by detik.com.
The Constitution stipulates that the Constitutional Court must have nine justices, with the House of Representatives, the President and the Supreme Court each entitled to appoint three justices to serve five-year terms.
The 2011 Constitutional Court Law also stipulates that the nomination of justice candidates should be conducted in a transparent manner and with participation from the public.
The Supreme Court has named Suhartoyo and Bangka Belitung High Court deputy head Manahan Sitompul to replace outgoing Supreme Court justices Ahmad Fadlil Sumadi and Muhammad Alim.
The government is preparing a selection process to replace Constitutional Court chief justice Hamdan Zoelva, who was appointed by former president Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono.
Hamdan said he was ready to run for a second term. (***)
