RKUHP Gets Passed After Heated Argument and Walk Out in House Plenary
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6 December 2022 13:31 WIB
TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - The Criminal Code Draft or RKUHP has officially been passed in Tuesday’s 11th plenary session at the House of Representatives (DPR) headquarters. Prior to Bill’s official passing into law, a heated argument took place between Commission VII legislator from the PKS faction Iskan Qolba Lubis and Deputy Speaker Sufmi Dasco Ahmad.
The moment happened as Iskan intended to present the notes from his political party regarding the RKUHP draft. He highlighted Article 240 overseeing slander against the government and state institutions that can imprison a person for three years.
“This is a provision that is open to interpretation and will make Indonesia from a democracy to a monarchy. I ask for this provision to be revoked,” said Iskan in the plenary session on December 6.
He noted that the provision will potentially be misused by upcoming leaders and asserted the importance of members of the public criticizing its government. Iskan also made it clear that this provision will be contested at the Constitutional Court (MK) after it passes as a Law.
As he explained his party’s view on the provision, the deputy Speaker suddenly interrupted him and implied that the PKS Party agrees with the passing but with certain notes of improvements.
“Well then, the suggestions have been noted. PKS has agreed with several notes,” said the Deputy Speaker.
This was responded to by Iskan who insisted that he had the right to speak for three minutes. Iskan also implied that the Deputy Speaker would act more like a dictator if his time to speak is cut short.
“Don’t you turn into a dictator. I will contest this to the MK,” said Iskan.
WALK OUT
The two legislators engaged in an argument and spoke at the same time with the PKS faction member threatening to walk out if his right to speak is not met.
“Sufmi, don’t be a dictator here. I only ask for three minutes to speak. If not, I will walk out,” said the PKS man, which was heeded by the Deputy Speaker. “As you wish,” said Dasco.
Iskan Qolba then turned his attention to the group of journalists present in the plenary session and called out the House Deputy Speaker. After the PKS representative walked out of the session, the Deputy Speaker gave the forum to the Law and Human Rights Minister Yasonna Laoly to present his views.
In the final November 30th version of the Criminal Code Draft, the RKUHP contains 624 provisions and 37 chapters and will officially be made effective in the next three years.
IMA DINI SHAFIRA
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