Attorney general's actions

Attorney general's actions

From Gamma

The allegations made by legislators both in the House of Representatives (DPR) and People's Consultative Assembly (MPR) that Attorney General Baharuddin Lopa's intention of investigating Akbar Tandjung, Arifin Panigoro, Nurdin Halid as well as a number politicians and tycoons suspected of corruption is politically motivated is sheer fabrication. It only shows that the politicians are panicky and irritated by the Lopa's lawful actions.

Such allegations also throw a bad light on politicians who have always been against President Abdurrahman Wahid's administration. The move is clearly engineered by the New Order figures who do not want to be subjected to the law and want to retain their power.

Baharuddin Lopa, on the other hand, has, so far, been known as a capable and honest national figure with undisputed integrity. So the allegations against Lopa is not only misguided but also an old tactic to secure the interests of the New Order figures. As attorney general, Lopa will surely act lawfully when dealing with corruption cases. In other words, he will obtain the evidence before arresting anyone suspected of corruption or crime.

MPR Speaker Amien Rais' question: "Why should Lopa take action only now?" is silly and gives the impression that he wants to protect the corruptors. The question should actually be directed to former attorney general Marzuki Darusman who is also the chief of the Golkar Party.

HENDARDI

Chairman of Indonesian

Legal Aid and Human Rights Association

Jakarta