Carlos Paath, Jakarta – A deputy speaker at the House of Representatives, or DPR, has criticized President Joko Widodo's decision to allow the Corruption Eradication Commission, KPK, to vet cabinet candidates.
Fadli Zon, who is also deputy chairman of the Great Indonesia Movement Party (Gerindra), said although the selection process was the president's prerogative, Joko should not allow the KPK to have the final decision.
"He can ask for the KPK's recommendation, but don't let the KPK decide whether one could be a minister.... Who actually appoints the ministers, the KPK or the president?"
Fadli took particular issue with the KPK's "red flag" notes on each candidate, saying it undermined the president's right to choose the makeup of cabinet. He said the process should be made transparent. "Suggestions from the KPK are okay, but don't give the decision to them," Fadli said.
Joko's transition team submitted the names of ministerial candidates for vetting to the KPK last week. The anti-graft body met with Joko to return the list on Sunday.
KPK deputy chairman Zulkarnain said the organization did not use "pass/fail" notes, but red or yellow marks signifying the level of corruption risk associated with each candidate.
"We just give the asked suggestion, we give individuals with high risk [of corruption] a red mark and those with lower risk a yellow mark," Zulkarnain said.
The vetting was based on the individual's wealth report, gratification cases, potential corruption involvement and public reports.