August 30, 2008

President supports special MPR commission to study constitutional amendment

President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono said Friday night he supported a proposal to set up a special commission in the People's Consultative Assembly (MPR) to study whether or not it is necessary to amend the Constitution.

"Of course I agree on the importance of such a special commission, and only the MPR which can realize the commission," the President was quoted by Antara as saying while attending a celebration of the MPR's 63rd anniversary.

The MPR holds the highest power to amend the constitutions. MPR consists of members of the House of Representatives (DPR) and of the Regional Representative Council (DPD).

Yudhoyono said the study of constitutional amendments would be better pursued through a special committee rather than through an ad-hoc working body like what had happened in the past.

The special commission, that would include legal and constitutional experts, would be able to study constitutional amendment in a more comprehensive way

The strongest demand for constitutional amendment has come from DPD, which currently has no legislative power. It wants more say in the legislation process.

The President, who is often at odds with the House over various political issues, is also supportive for the idea of constitutional amendment. [The Jakarta Post]