"BPK under political cadres would make a dilemma as they could not avoid facing political interest , BPK leaders should be free from political interest," Asep Warlan Yusuf of the Parahyangan University of Bandung said.Jakarta (ANTARA News) - An expert observer said the Supreme Audit Board (BPK) should be headed by independent and professional figure instead of one from political parties.
BPK as a state agency auditing state finance works closely in touch with ministries and other state agencies, expert in constitutional law Asep Warlan Yusuf of the Parahyangan University of Bandung said.
Currently BPK is headed by Harry Azhar Aziz, a former lawmaker of the Golkar party.
"BPK under political cadres would make a dilemma as they could not avoid facing political interest , BPK leaders should be free from political interest," Asep said.
His statement came after report of leaked document of Panama Papers in which the name of Azhar was listed among politicians suspected of bank fraud, tax evasion and other financial scandals.
Azhar, has denied the suggestion, but acknowledged to once have a company in Hong Kong.
Asep said conflict of interest is most likely to be faced by a BPK leader with background as a member of a political party.
He said BPK holds a crucial and strategic role to help create a good governance, therefore, it should be headed by one free from political interest.
He said financial audit by BPK of Sumber Waras hospital suggesting possible corruption by Jakarta Governor Basuki Tjahaja Purnama (Ahok) could be politically motivated.
A number of BPK leaders including its chairman Azhar have background as cadres of political parties at logger head with Ahok.
Asep strongly suggested that the House of Representatives revise the law on BPK especially on the requirements to be met by its leaders.
"My hope and I believe also the hope of the public is state agencies like BPK, KPU and KPK should be headed by independent and professional people," he said.( *)
Editor: Heru Purwanto
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