Puan Ignore Interruptions, What Rules Did The Speaker Of The House Of Representatives Break?

Speaker of the House of Representatives Puan Maharani (Source: Special)

JAKARTA - Puan Maharani's democratic attitude has been highlighted again. In the 9th Plenary Meeting for the 2021-2022 session, Puan ignored the interruptions made by the participants. This is not the first time. Previously, Puan had even turned off the microphones of other DPR members. What are the rules for freedom of expression in the DPR? What did you violate?

It was Fahmi Alaydrus, a member of the DPR PKS faction, who proposed the interruption. At that time, the Plenary Session had just approved General Andika Perkasa as TNI Commander.

Andika is the candidate chosen by President Joko Widodo (Jokowi) as the sole candidate. The lady tapped the hammer and read the closing remarks.

Fahmi repeatedly shouted his interrupt request. But the lady didn't stop either. "Leader, interrupt, leader," Fahmi exclaimed.

Fahmi had shouted criticism to Puan. "How do you want to be a presidential candidate, we don't have constitutional rights," shouted Fahmi in front of the microphone.

The incident sparked tension in the courtroom. Utut Adiyanto, a member of the PDIP-P faction (PDIP) approached Fahmi and pointed at him.

Right to speak in DPR

DPR Plenary Meeting (Mary Handayani/VOI)

Chairman of the PKS DPP Al Muzammil responded to this incident. He reminded the Speaker of the House of Representatives about the rules governing the right to aspiration and attached to each member of the council. Muzammil alluded to Article 256 paragraph 2 of DPR Regulation Number 1 of 2020 concerning Order.

"We will only quote from conveying article 256 of our statutes. The 2020 DPR Standing Orders. I read it, yes. Article 256 paragraph 2, 'The DPR Plenary Meeting is the highest forum in carrying out the powers and duties of the DPR except for the DPR Plenary Meeting,'" Muzammil read out the regulation at before reporters at the DPR Building, Monday, November 8.

In addition to article 256 paragraph 2, the right to speak for members of the DPR is also regulated in article 256 paragraph 6. This paragraph explains that in the plenary session each member of the DPR is given time to speak or ask questions for a maximum of five minutes. And the spokesperson is given seven minutes and can be extended at the discretion of the chairman of the meeting.

Specific rules regarding interruptions are explained in Article 267 paragraph 1 of DPR Regulation Number 1 of 2014 concerning the Rules of Conduct. The rule explains that interruptions can be made to ask for clarity about the problem of the problem being discussed. Interruption is also the right of board members to explain issues concerning themselves or their duties.

In addition, interruptions can also be made when members of the board want to propose procedures regarding the issues being discussed or propose that the meeting be temporarily postponed. Returning to Muzammil, he asked all members, including Puan, as Chair of the DPR to respect the existing rules.

"We read this point to remind us all, including the leadership of the DPR to respect each other's duties and obligations as well as the duties and obligations of members that members also have the right to express these aspirations," said Muzammil.

"Therefore, we appeal to every plenary session of the leadership of the DPR in chairing the meeting to refer to the rules of article 256, especially paragraph 6 because we as a faction, the opposition in the government is not in the government, that is our space to convey public aspirations to us," he added.

Not a first for madam

Chairperson of the Indonesian House of Representatives, Puan Maharani (Source: Antara)

Another thing that Muzammil underlined is that interruptions are an opportunity for the opposition to correct and provide input on government policies. In addition, Muzammil also mentioned that the neglect of the right to speak was not the first time that Puan had done it.

"We feel it not only today. I have also interrupted the KPK before. Yesterday it was about the Koran and Pancasila. There is a mechanism that leaders tend to go through not to give our members and other members a chance."

Puan's neglect of her right to speak occurred in the plenary session of the ratification of the Job Creation Bill (Ciptaker). At that time, Puan did not just ignore. He even turned off the microphone belonging to a member of the Democratic Faction, Irwan.

At that time, Irwan asked for the ratification of the Ciptaker Bill to be postponed. When Irwan spoke, the chair of another meeting sitting next to Mrs. Azis Syamsudin gave a code for Ms to press the button.

Puan Maharani chaired the Plenary Meeting for the ratification of the Ciptaker Bill (Source: DPR RI Documentation)

"Comrades, if you want to be appreciated, please appreciate ..." Irwan's voice was cut off. Azis, who is now a defendant in the alleged case handling case at the KPK, ended the day's session. The Ciptaker Bill was immediately passed.

Puan's action drew strong criticism from the public. Later, Puan explained the reason for turning off Irwan's microphone as his authority to maintain order and smooth running of the Plenary Meeting.

"That's why I turned off the mic not on purpose, but to keep the trial running well and smoothly," said Puan in an interview on Boy William's YouTube account.

"So because you keep talking, as the chair of the session, the chair of the session must arrange for everything to get time to talk," said Puan.

*Read other information about the DPR or read other interesting articles from Nailin In Saroh and Yudhistira Mahabharata.

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