Ruhut Suggests Patrialis Resign from Constitutionsl Court

Jakarta (Antara) - Patrialis Akbar should resign as Constitutional Court (MK) justice following the State Administrative Court (PTUN)'s verdict, which annuls the presidential decision on his appointment as MK justice, a legislator stated. "We have to respect the PTUN verdict. I suggest that Akbar should resign as MK justice," Ruhut Sitompul, member of the House of Representatives (DPR)'s Commission III on legal affairs, remarked here on Thursday. He added that if Akbar did not resign, it would serve as a blunder for the National Mandate Party (PAN) in the face of next year's legislative and presidential elections. "The PAN party will be at a disadvantage. Moreover, PAN Chairman Hatta Rajasa has been conducting a tour for spreading awareness (about its program)," Ruhut, who is also a cadre of the ruling Democratic Party (PD), stated. In response to the PTUN verdict, Ruhut pointed out that he was unaware whether the government will appeal the verdict or not. The State Administrative Court on Monday annulled the presidential decree on the appointment of Patrialis Akbar as a Constitutional Court Justice. The court also annulled a decision discharging Maria Farida and Ahmad Sodiki from the post of Constitutional Court Justice, according to Erwin Natas, who filed a lawsuit against the decree. "Both Maria Farida and Ahmad Sodiki will continue to hold the post of Constitutional Court Justice, as the decision to remove them from the posts has been annulled. There is a legal flaw in the appointment of Patrialis as a Constitutional Court Justice," he claimed. (*)