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