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Oesman may step down from MPR post
businessman-turned-politician Oesman Sapta Odang has signaled that he is ready to give up his position as People’s Consultative Assembly (MPR) deputy speaker.
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New leader: Hanura Party politician Oesman Sapta Odang has been elected as the new speaker of the Regional Representatives Council (DPD) on April 4. (Antara/Jessica Helena Wuysang)
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fter his controversial election as Regional Representatives Council (DPD) speaker, businessman-turned-politician Oesman Sapta Odang has signaled that he is ready to give up his position as People’s Consultative Assembly (MPR) deputy speaker.
Oesman said Thursday that he first needed to talk it over with other councillors so that a decision could be made in a plenary session. “It’s a plenary session that will decide, just like it was a plenary session that appointed me [as DPD speaker],” Oesman said.
He acknowledged there were several people who could replace him in the MPR. “Many are capable [of leading the MPR]. All of them have a right to so,” added the Hanura Party chairman.
(Read also: DPD embroiled in claims Oesman's election was illegal)
Oesman was elected DPD speaker early Tuesday, replacing Mohammad Saleh. Some councillors opposed the election, saying it violated a Supreme Court ruling.
The court annulled a DPD regulation that halved the tenures of DPD speaker and deputy speakers to two and a half years. As a result, Saleh, Farouk Muhammad and Gusti Kanjeng Ratu Hemas should have retained their positions until 2019.
Meanwhile, MPR Speaker Zulkifli Hasan said Oesman would have to decide whether or not to step down as the MPR did not have the authority to make him do so.
The Legislative Institutions (MD3) Law does not mention holding dual positions at the institutions. (jun)
