Jokowi delays signing law protecting parliament

JAKARTA: Indonesian President Joko “Jokowi” Widodo ( pix) has put off signing a draft law that would allow parliament to crack down on criticism aimed at its members or the legislature, suggesting it could undermine the quality of the country’s democracy.

Members of parliament have proposed modifying laws governing parliament to allow an internal ethics council to take legal action against any individual or group that insults the house or its members.

But Jokowi, citing concern among the public, who widely see parliament as corrupt, said he had put off signing it.

“The draft is on my desk but I have not signed it yet.

“I understand the public’s concern about this issue. We all want the quality of our democracy to improve, not deteriorate,” Jokowi said on Twitter late on Wednesday.

He did not say if he would sign it.

Rights groups and anticorruption activists have criticised the proposed law, saying it could harm freedom of speech and slow a fight against endemic graft.

Surveys show that Indonesians have for years perceived parliament to be among the country’s most corrupt institutions.

An anti-graft watchdog has said the majority of its investigations involve members of parliament.

Legislators say the law would protect them from “false allegations” of corruption and other criticism.

“It is important to differentiate between criticism and insult,” assembly member Firman Subagyo said.

“People should not make accusations without legal facts that they can be held accountable for.” – Reuters