Samad Fit for Vice Presidential Candidacy: Observer

Jakarta (Antara) - Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) Chairman Abraham Samad is fit to be nominated as a vice presidential candidate, an observer stated. "Abraham Samad will be 'salable' to voters if he is nominated as a vice presidential candidate," Agung Suprio, political analyst of the University of Indonesia (UI) noted during a discussion on "Weighing Abraham Samad's Effect" here on Tuesday. He argued that Samad had about three criteria which made him fit for the vice presidential candidacy. The first criterion is his firmness, toughness and straight forwardness on certain issues. The second is that he has a good track record, namely his boldness to fight corruption. The KPK, under Samad, has been able to fight corruption, not only the one in the House but also other major cases such as the Bank Century, which is still under investigation. The third is that Samad has never compromised with corrupt people; he is someone who is needed by the Indonesian people, Agung Suprio remarked. However, it is impossible for corrupt parties to nominate Samad, who is uncompromising regarding corruptions, he stated. "If a political party named him as vice presidential candidate, the party will benefit from his popularity," the observer asserted. He can also help reduce the number of "Golput" (those intending to abstain from the polls) voters who are pessimistic about corruption eradication. Hamdi Muluk, another UI political expert, meanwhile stated that Samad has the potential to be named as a vice presidential candidate because he had outstanding quality, namely morality integrity. Yet, he lacked skills in the political, leadership and bureaucracy dimensions. "Samad is behind Ahok (Basuki Tjahaja Purnama) and Tririsma Harini who are experienced in bureaucracy," he added. (*)