Legislators face probe over 'sale' of aid<\/p>\n
The Jakarta Post, Jakarta<\/p>\n
The House of Representatives disciplinary committee plans to
\nsummon two lawmakers in connection with an ongoing investigation
\ninto the alleged "sale" of government relief funds by
\nlegislators.<\/p>\n
"The two lawmakers to be summoned may not necessarily be
\ninvolved (in the alleged corruption); we're just seeking
\ninformation," committee chairman Slamet Effendy Yusuf said during
\na discussion on the issue on Saturday.<\/p>\n
He declined to disclose the names of the two legislators.<\/p>\n
The case first surfaced when a legislator publicly revealed
\nlate last month a document containing names of lawmakers
\nallegedly involved in the sale of relief funds.<\/p>\n
House members were said to have promised budget amounts to
\nelected regional heads in return for a percentage of that amount.
\nMiddlemen were alleged to be involved in the process to fix the
\ndeals.<\/p>\n
Lawmakers, particularly those in the state budgetary
\ncommission, help decide the size of relief funds a local
\nadministration needs and the commission is involved in the
\nclosed-door deliberation of the state budget proposals by the
\ngovernment.<\/p>\n
Observers say the practice of selling funds has been around
\nfor a long time but is difficult to prove due to a lack of hard
\nevidence.<\/p>\n
Many have called for a thorough investigation into the cases,
\nwhich have further tarnished the image of the House. They also
\ndemanded that legal action be taken against lawmakers found to be
\ninvolved in any embezzlement.<\/p>\n
The high profile Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) is
\nreportedly about to launch an investigation into the case.<\/p>",
"url": "https:\/\/jawawa.id\/newsitem\/legislators-face-probe-over-sale-of-aid-1447893297",
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