"I had time to think, if the policy is realized, I want to quit the Gerindra Party

As reported earlier, Jakarta Vice Governor, Basuki 'Ahok' T Purnama did not agree with the Draft Law of Regional Head Election (Pilkada), that is now being discussed in the House of Representatives (DPR). That means, the regional head would be elected by Legislative Council (DPRD) members.

The former Regent of East Belitung revealed that if the draft law is ratified, he will quit the Gerindra Party. Whereas, he is a cadre of Gerindra along with other red and white coalition supporting such ratification.

"I had time to think, if the policy is realized, I want to quit the Gerindra Party," he stressed, at City Hall, Tuesday (9/9).

Basuki assessed regional head elected by public is still potentially vulnerable to collusion, particularly DPRD members. That means there is no more concern for people's lives.

If the draft law is ratified, he furthered, every day regional head can only think how to provide the best service to the DPRD, instead of people. "Each year, we could be squeezed by DPRD. If you don't donate money to them, your accountability will be rejected until dismissed. The regional head role is just thought of DPRD service," exclaimed Ahok.

As for the information, regional head election though DPRD is being discussed by the Working Committee of the Draft Law on Regional Head Election with Home Affairs Ministry. In the discussion, a number of fractions incorporated in the Coalition of Red and White agreed election through DPRD

As a matter of fact, in the discussion in May 2014, there were no fractions in the DPR who voted mechanism on Governor election by DPRD. But, the attitude of the red and white coalition comprising Gerindra, Golkar, PAN, PPP, PKS, and Democratic Party had changed decision to agree it where election of governor, regent and mayor selected by DPRD. Initially, only the Democratic and PKB parties were agreeing it.