Legislator Fires Back at Najwa Shihab Over Critical 'Open Letter'

TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - House of Representatives (DPR) legislator fired back against the notably critical news anchor Najwa Shihab who recently published a viral video openly criticizing legislators’ decision to continue deliberating an arguably problematic Draft Bill amidst a coronavirus quarantine which effectively reduces public participation. 

Law Commission legislator Arteria Dahlan on Wednesday went on the offensive by alleging that Najwa Shihab is involved in a government project recognized as the President Jokowi’s pre-employment card program. 

Arteria demanded Najwa to clarify whether the newly established ‘Sekolahmu’ startup involved in the project is associated with her. The pre-employment program mainly partners with startups that give participants the necessary training in preparation for work. 

“Is it true that Sekolahmu is overseen by PT Sekolah Integrasi Digital has a connection with Najwa?” Arteria wrote in Wednesday’s press release. 

The link between Sekolahmu and Najwa Shihab, according to the DPR legislator, lays in the startup’s ownership that he says is owned by Najwa’s sibling, Najelaa Shihab.

The legislator’s main argument is to question how a newly established startup, which was founded in October 2019, could be involved and picked by the government as a partner. 

“If you think your best feature is to look for mistakes for the sake of ‘being critical’ then allow us to be critical too,” said the legislator from the PDIP faction who bombarded Najwa Shihab with questions demanding clarification from her. 

The DPR member questions whether her link to Sekolahmu can be considered as a legal prudency or is there a trade influence in this affair, and whether it is a form of criminal act or corruption.

AHMAD FAIZ IBNU SANI