Akbar's plan to go on Haj Pilgrimage

Reacting to comments made by some circles on House Speaker Akbar Tandjung's plan to go on the haj pilgrimage, his lawyer, Hotma Sitompul, called them "uncivilized and nonreligious". His statement was harsh and, perhaps, made without thinking.

What is causing the problem for these dissenting voices is Akbar's untimely plan to travel. Akbar is facing a legal case; he is a suspect in the alleged swindle of funds from the State Logistics Agency (Bulog) and may at any time undergo an investigation carried out by the Attorney General's Office. Understandably, there is suspicion that Akbar is buying time.

Only Akbar knows whether his intentions are pure or not.

As he is a suspect, the case is quite different. As the Attorney General's Office is handling this case, it is also this office that has the authority to decide whether Akbar can depart or not, by weighing the consequences of the ongoing investigation. Prohibition may be interpreted as a restriction of an individual's basic rights. Granting permission for Akbar to go on the haj pilgrimage gives the impression that he is enjoying a privilege.

Yet, it should be remembered that going on the pilgrimage is not just a trip that is made by leaving a problem at home. With the case in which he is allegedly involved strongly indicating some form of orchestration, people will easily question whether Akbar can perform his religious service peacefully. We should learn from him then if the conditions are as they are.

-- Koran Tempo, Jakarta