Mahfud Praises Jokowi's Performance

Jakarta (Antara) - Former Constitutional Court chief justice Mahfud MD on Tuesday expressed his appreciation of Jakarta Governor Joko Widodo, noting that he is clean, hard-working, and has implemented all the programs he designed. "I think, objectively, Jokowi, as he is popularly called, is a hard worker; he is sincere, honest, and has used all the facilities provided to him without a hint of corruption," he said to newsmen at City Hall. He noted that Jokowi's performance over the past year---his first in office---was undeniably free of corrupt practices. "I think no one can deny it. Within two months, six heads of services have been named as suspects in corruption cases and have been suspended. Jokowi is not involved (in these cases), so he could immediately act against the officials," he stated. He pointed out that people involved in corruption cases are sometimes shielded to protect their superiors. "Over the past year, the bureaucracy has also changed a lot, such as through the auction of village-head positions to improve efficiency and effectiveness. I think a lot has been done by (Jokowi)," he added. When asked about his National Awakening Party (PKB), which has now also named former vice president Jusuf Kalla as its presidential candidate, Mahfud, another of the party's candidates, said it was a good decision. "(The selection) is good. The PKB has so far only named three people: Rhoma Irama, Mahfud MD, and Jusuf Kalla. I think the number must be increased. Even the ruling Democrat Party has named 11 candidates. The PKB must nominate more people, but what is important is finding the best person to lead the nation and state," he remarked. He, however, claimed that Jusuf Kalla's nomination was not yet final and had only been circulated as an aspiration. "The final decision will be made later in April, May, or June," he said. Jokowi has so far been touted as the Indonesia Democratic Party Struggle's best possible candidate for the office of the president. (*)