"We respect any decision made on Mr Setya Novanto," President Jokowi stated.Jakarta (ANTARA News) - President Joko Widodo (Jokowi) said he respected any decision on the violation of the ethical code involving Setya Novanto, who recently resigned from the post of house speaker.
"We respect any decision made on Mr Setya Novanto," President Jokowi stated here on Thursday.
Jokowi noted that so far he had no personal problem with Novanto. He, however, affirmed that he had not communicated with Novanto.
Novanto tendered his resignation as house speaker on Wednesday night after the Houses Ethics Tribunal (MKD) voted that he was guilty of violating the ethical code.
Novanto was charged with violating the parliamentary ethical code for holding secret meetings with President Director of Freeport Indonesia Maroef Sjamsudin. He allegedly asked for a stake in the US gold and copper mining company.
After all the members of the MKD had expressed their views regarding Novantos alleged violation of ethics in a closed-door meeting, Sufmi Dasco Ahmad, the deputy chairman of the Ethics Council, read out Novantos resignation letter.
"In connection with the handling of allegations of ethical violations in the House of Representatives and to maintain dignity and ensure public order, I hereby resign from the chairmanship of the House of Representatives," Novanto wrote in his letter.
Energy and Mineral Resources Minister Sudirman Said had reported Novanto to the MKD for having used the names of the president and the vice president in an alleged deal-making bid with PT Freeport Indonesia, which was seeking an extension of its contract.
The minister had submitted the recordings of the conversation that Novanto had with President Director of PT Freeport Maroef Sjamsoeddin and businessman M. Riza Chalid to the MKD as evidence.
Said and Sjamsoeddin were questioned by the MKD in open sessions. Novanto was also summoned by the MKD, but the session was held behind closed doors.(*)
Editor: Heru Purwanto
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