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DPD speaker's dismissal opposed by councilors
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The Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) arrests Regional Representatives Council (DPD) speaker Irman Gusman (center) on Sept. 17. (Antara Photo/Yudhi Mahatma)
T
he dismissal of Regional Representatives Council (DPD) speaker Irman Gusman from his position has been met with opposition from some council members who say the DPD ethics council should at least wait for Irman's pre-trial challenge has been heard before finalizing its decision.
During a DPD plenary meeting on Tuesday, DPD ethics council chairman AM Fatwa read the council's decision, made on Monday, to dismiss Irman from his speaker's position after the Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) named him a suspect in a bribery case related to sugar imports. The ethics council accused Irman of an ethics violation for abusing his authority as senior councilor.
DPD councilor representing West Sumatra, Emma Yohanna, who interrupted reading of the statement, said the DPD should not rush to dismiss Irman from his speaker's position.
"We should at least show some conscience. It won't hurt for us to wait [for the pre-trial ruling]. The pre-trial challenge only takes 14 days," Emma said.
Djasarmen Purba, a councilor representing Riau Islands, said that even though he agreed with the ethics council's decision, the DPD should respect Irman's ongoing legal process and postpone his dismissal until the pre-trial challenge had been concluded.
In a heated session, DPD deputy speaker Farouk Muhammad stepped forward and asserted that the DPD ethics council's decision was in line with regulations. (dmr)
