Johnny G Plate: Regarding Reshuffle, No Need For Jokowi To Discuss NasDem

Secretary General of NasDem Johnny G Plate. (ANTARA)

Secretary-General of the NasDem Party Johnny G Plate emphasized that the President's prerogative is absolute or absolute in terms of a cabinet reshuffle or "reshuffle", and there is no obligation for the head of government to discuss with the supporting political parties.

"The prerogative in accordance with the constitution is absolute. It is entirely within the authority of the President," Plate told reporters after attending the Plenary Cabinet Session at the State Palace, quoted by Antara, Monday, January 16.

Plate, which is present at the Merdeka Palace in its capacity as Minister of Communication and Information.

What Plate said was different from the opinion of his party mate, the chairman of the NasDem DPP, Effendy Choirie, who was of the President's prerogative was not absolute.

Effendy, who is familiarly called Gus Choi, is of the view that since the 1945 Constitution was amended and the Presidential registration requirements were enforced, then this right is no longer absolute, where according to him the President should discuss with the coalition of supporting parties in terms of carrying out a cabinet reshuffle.

Plate as Secretary General of NasDem said the President's right to "reshuffle" the cabinet was absolute. According to Plate, it is possible for the President to discuss with staff, the Presidential Staff Office or discuss with coalition party leaders about a cabinet reshuffle, but constitutionally it is not mandatory.

"That if the President wants to discuss whether it is with input from the staff, from the KSP, or discussing with the leadership of the coalition party, that is the option with the President. The constitution does not regulate at all, the prerogative is absolutely prerogative of the President, so it is called prerogative because it is absolute," he explained.

Plate emphasized that the NasDem Party respects the constitution and respects the prerogative of the President. According to him, discussions that apply or are currently warm in public spaces must be distinguished which are the opinions of individuals, which are representatives of political party institutions, and which are academic theoreticals.

He also emphasized that his party as part of the coalition remains solid with President Jokowi.