Aburizal cannot summon ministers: Marzuki

Hans David Tampubolon, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta | Fri, 05/14/2010 1:04 PM | Headlines

Democratic Party politicians stress that Golkar Party Chairman Aburizal Bakrie is not authorized to summon ministers despite his recent appointment as the acting chairman of the pro-government coalition parties.

"Ministers answer only to the President, outsiders cannot interfere," a senior Democratic Party politician, Marzuki Alie, told reporters in Jakarta on Friday.

"Ethically speaking, the government is led by the President. So, all communications must be done under the President's order," he added.

Separately, Democratic Party Secretary General Amir Syamsuddin said that Aburizal could only meet with ministers for coordination purposes, not to give orders or influence any of their policy.

Following Aburizal's appointment, speculations are rife that the Golkar chairman will have practically acted as a prime minister.

Aburizal's appointment has also drawn criticism from experts and analysts because they deem that it has ruined the country's presidential system and mechanism, especially after several Golkar politicians say that he also has the authority to summon ministers.

Burhanuddin Muhtadi from the Indonesian Survey Institute (LSI) recently warned that Aburizal did not only endanger the authority of Vice President Boediono, but also that of President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono as well.
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