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House ethics council can disregard Setya’s letter: Law expert
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Under investigation: Graft suspect and House of Representatives Speaker Setya Novanto (left) is escorted to an interview room at the Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) office on Nov. 21, where he would be questioned about his alleged involvement in the e-ID graft case. (The Jakarta Post/Wendra Ajistyatama)
C
onstitutional law expert Mahfud MD has urged members of the House of Representatives’ ethics council (MKD) not to respond to a letter sent by graft suspect and Golkar Party chairman Setya Novanto, in which the latter pleaded for his position at the House.
Mahfud, who is also a former Constitutional Court (MK) chief justice, said on Thursday that the MKD should put aside the letter and proceed to remove Setya both as House speaker and lawmaker, because he would not be able to do his job from the Corruption Eradication Commission’s (PKP) detention facility, where he is now being held.
“There is no need to wait for a legal decision [on Setya’s case]. An ethics sanction can precede a legal sanction, but the House is afraid to take action,” Mahfud said as quoted by kompas.com.
(Read also: Golkar politician visits Setya at detention center)
Mahfud further confirmed that Setya’s letter was valid.
“But his call to House leaders not to remove him can be rejected. The House belongs to the people, who are represented by political parties. [The House] can reject [the letter],” he said.
Mahfud was referring to People’s Consultative Assembly (MPR) Decree No.6/2001, which allows an ethics sanction to be handed down before a legal decision is made.
Setya was arrested by the KPK after recovering from injuries sustained in a car accident on Nov. 16, and calls for his removal as House speaker and lawmaker soon followed.
The Golkar politician stands accused of playing a prominent role in the e-ID graft case. (saf/ebf)
