"No one can forbid me to speak, let alone speak the truth. As a judge, I really cannot comment on the cases handled by the Court. But the request for clemency to the President Ola example, because I am not authorized to hear, so I had to comment. If in the United States, the judge just wants quiet-quiet, go ahead. In Indonesia busy to my wants, it is no problem as far as not breaking the law and code of ethics. "

Similarly, Chief Justice of the Constitutional Court Moh Mahfud MD responded spontaneously and directly to the question of Indonesian students in Canberra who moderated by Widi, one of the embassy staff, on Sunday afternoon (25/11). Mahfud meet with Embassy staff, students, and people of Indonesia are located in Canberra and surrounding the invitation of Ambassador to Australia Najib Riephat Kesuma. His visit to Australia is part of a five-day visit at the invitation of the Australian National University, Canberra.

Najib in his speech said that he strongly believes the presence of figures like Mahfud in Canberra should be optimized. "The presence of Mr. Mahud in Canberra is certainly an honor for us. For that, I ask all present to take advantage of this opportunity face to face. From Pak Mahfud we can get and learn a lot of things, including a response or Pak Mahfud on issues about Indonesia that recently developed in Australia, "said Najib.

State Law

Starting his speech, Mahfud explained about the existence, role and contribution in building the Constitutional Court constitutional system more democratic. The importance of the presence of MK, Indonesia Mahfud many past history suggests that once had a very good era of democracy with leaders with integrity and not easily offered the lure of material. However, in the past it anyway, a lot of events that shows how politics have long been used as a commander of defeating the law. "Dissolution Masyumi and the Indonesian Socialist Party (PSI) is one example of how politics plays a dominant rather than the law," said the Professor of Constitutional Law UII Yogyakarta.

It was, says Mahfud, the President summoned the Chief Justice at the time, Wirjono Prodjodikoro, for questioning consideration while providing a legal argument over his desire to capture Masyumi leaders, such as M. Natsir and PSI figures, Soemitro Jojohadikoesoemo, and sent both parties. "The dissolution of both parties is guided by political interests, not for legal reasons," said Mahfud. Therefore, such a thing must not happen again. Indonesia is a country of law so that the dissolution of political parties must be present in court at the Court, "he said. Similarly about impeachment, the issue is too crowded discussed, Mahfud provide commentary on the impeachment clause in the 1945 Constitution.

Mahfud also tells people that he strongly disagreed with the comparative study conducted by members of the House when they wanted to establish a law. "In the past when I was still a member of parliament and leading the committee bill Witness and Victim Protection Agency, I am most anti comparative study," said Mahfud. "Very likely, the existing Agency Law is the only law that no study has appeal, because I do not agree," said Mahfud. If you want to know that kind of law abroad, Mahfud said, can call experts or practitioners of the country needed then requested the presentation here and not have to busy to comparative studies. However, Mahfud said, even when the show listened to presentations from experts from specific countries, members of Parliament are keen comparative studies it was coming. (FLS / mh)