Alwi, Rizal fulfill House summons on Bulog scandal
Alwi, Rizal fulfill House summons on Bulog scandal
JAKARTA (JP): Minister of Foreign Affairs Alwi Shihab and
Coordinating Minister for the Economy Rizal Ramli appeared at the
House of Representatives on Wednesday to testify before the
House's special committee over the Rp 35 billion (US$3.8 million)
State Logistics Agency (Bulog) scandal.
While Alwi denied any involvement in the scandal, Rizal who
was summoned in his capacity as Bulog chairman, refused to
comment on the results of the closed-door meeting with the House.
"I'm clean. I was not involved in the case," Alwi told
reporters before testifying. Rizal testified after Alwi.
A committee member, Hafiz Zawawi, said Alwi told the committee
that he first heard about the scandal from a magazine reporter.
Alwi then telephoned former Bulog chairman Yusuf Kalla about
the withdrawal of the Rp 35 billion fund belonging to Yanatera,
Bulog employees' foundation.
Yusuf, former minister of industry and trade, had earlier told
the House's special committee that Alwi knew about the withdrawal
of the fund.
Asked about his phone calls to Yusuf, Alwi said: "I usually
telephone him. He (Yusuf) also often telephoned me."
Meanwhile, another committee member Ali Masykur Moesa
criticized the committee for summoning President Abdurrahman
Wahid for questioning.
"So far, there is no evidence that Gus Dur was involved in the
case. The committee has also yet to meet regarding the summons
(for Abdurrahman)," Ali, a legislator of the National Awakening
Party (PKB), said, referring to Abdurrahman by his nickname.
He regretted the committee's manner in conducting the
investigation into the scandal as it was assuming the President
was involved.
Separately, House Speaker Akbar Tandjung confirmed on
Wednesday that Abdurrahman was among witnesses to be summoned by
the committee.
"I know the President is on the list. But, we have yet to send
the summons," Akbar, who is also chairman of Golkar Party, said.
Committee chairman Bachtiar Chamsyah told reporters on Tuesday
that Abdurrahman had been invited for a clarification on Nov. 15.
(jun)