Hestiana Dharmastuti, Jakarta – House of Representatives (DPR) legislative member Ade Daud Nasution has been dismissed from the house and his membership of the Star Reform Party (PBR) revoked. Despite this however, Nasution has responded calmly to the move.

“How can founders [of the party] be expelled by people who came along later. Me and Is Anwar are founders, right. While [PBR general chairperson] Bursah [Zarnubi] and [party general secretary] Rusman [H.M. Ali] came along later”, said Nasution when speaking with Detik.com on Friday September 12.

Nasution, who has been included in the National Mandate Party’s (PAN) legislative candidate list, said there was no need for the PBR to dismiss them. “When the time came, we would have resigned. Because, under the [election] law two parties are not allowed. The DCT (final legislative candidate list) has not yet been issued, so there’s no need for dismissals”, said Nasution.

Nasution also said he regretted the entry of a number of allegedly left-socialist figures into the party with the electoral registration number 291.

“I’m anti-communist. These communists are atheists right and are banned under TAP MPR2. Meanwhile the PBR’s symbol is the Kabah (the direction which Muslims turn to pray). I don’t agree with it. Perhaps they want to find a new icon”, suggested Nasution who took part in establishing the PBR in 2002.

Nasution, Bachrum Siregar and Is Anwar Rajo Perak were recalled from the DPR and dismissed as members of the PBR. The three were sacked because they switched to other parties. Nasution is recorded as a PAN legislative candidate, Siregar meanwhile is known to have joined the National Awakening Party and Perak holds a photocopy of a United Development Party membership card. (aan/nrl)

Notes:

1. On August 2 National Liberation Party of Unity (Papernas) chairperson Dita Indah Sari along with 40 other members of Papernas announced that they had joined the PBR. Sari along with six other Papernas members have been listed as PBR legislative candidates for the 2009 general elections.

2. Tap MPRS XXV/1966: Provisional People’s Consultative Assembly Decree Number XXV/1966 on the Dissolution of the Indonesian Communist Party and Prohibitions on Marxist, Leninist and Communist Teachings.

[Translated by James Balowski. The original title of the article was “Ade Daud: How can founders of the party be expelled”.]