Hamdan Assures Public of His Integrity as New Chief Justice

Jakarta (Antara) - Hamdan Zoelva assured the public of his integrity as the new Constitutional Court chief justice here on Wednesday, saying he has already cut ties with his former political party. "I assure you that since I took the oath to become a Constitutional Court justice some three years ago, I have cut off all emotional ties with my former party, ethnic group, and even with my relatives and friends," he said after taking the oath to become the new Constitutional Court chief justice, replacing Akil Mochtar, who was recently detained as a suspect in a corruption case by the Corruption Eradication Commission. Hamdan, a former member of the Crescent and Star Party (PBB), stated that while examining or trying a case and issuing a ruling, he has never taken notice of the defendant's identity or that of people filing lawsuits. "I only looked at the case and the relevant laws, and I paid attention to my conscience. That is what I have done so far as a Constitutional Court judge. From the beginning, I have been committed to standing above any interests, religion, or political party," he asserted. Hamdan said the court must protect all citizens to ensure fairness. He noted he was aware of the universality of the moral teachings of his religion, which requires its followers, especially those who are judges, to uphold the principle of justice for all, even to their own detriment or that of their relatives. "Do not let your hatred towards a certain group make you to act unfairly because justice is closer to piety," he remarked, quoting his religion's teachings. He pointed out that according to his religious teachings, out of three judges, only one would go to heaven, and so, in view of that, only a judge who rules on the basis of truth and honesty will go to heaven. "I have always prayed and made a commitment that I will not be among the judges who go to hell," he explained. Hamdan took an oath before the Constitutional Court justices and the public in an open plenary session. He was elected as the Constitutional Court chief justice on Nov. 1. (*)