MK Chief Judge Reads Al-Qur'an Prior to Starting Work

Jakarta (Antara) - Hamdan Zoelva, new chief judge of Indonesia`s Constitutional Court (MK), started work here on Wednesday by first reading Surah Al Isra verse 80 of the Al-Qur'an, as a token prayer to God. In addition, Hamdan took the oath before the Constitutional Court justices and the public, in an open plenary session here on Wednesday. "To start working and holding my new responsibilities, I have to pray to God by reading Al-Qur'an," he said after taking the oath at the MK building. Hamdan said he believed God (Allah) always bestows gifts and mercy so he will be able to maintain his mandate as Chief Justice. According to Hamdan, he and other constitutional judges are serious about restoring public confidence in the Constitutional Court after former Chief Judge Akil Mochtar was arrested by the Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK). Hamdan Zoelva replaces Akil Mochtar, who recently was named a suspect in a corruption case. Hamdan was chosen during a vote in open session here on Friday by eight justices of the Constitution Court, including Ahmad Fadlil Sumadi, Anwar Usman, Arief Hidayat, Harjono, Maria Farida Indrati, Muhammad Alim, Patrialis Akbar and Hamdan Zoelva. The session was led by Hamdan Zoelva and in attendance was the secretary general of the court, clerks of the court, and was witnessed by court employees and the media. The eight justices later chose a deputy chief justice through a vote. After voting three times, Arief Hidayat was chosen, receiving five votes. (*)