Ex-regent queried over graft charges

UJUNGPANDANG, South Sulawesi: Former Maros Regent Nasrun Amrullah was intensively questioned by the provincial Attorney General's office here yesterday over allegations that he embezzled Rp 1.4 million in development funds.

A team of six officers, headed by Assistant Chief for Administrative Affairs Badron Rasyid, questioned the former official for over nine hours.

Nasrun was removed from his post Thursday for alleged improprieties in several instances, which included siphoning 10 percent of contract funds for development projects.

He recently told journalists that the money taken from the contracts was funneled to Golkar.

Nasrun's legal advisor, Laica Marzuki, said yesterday there was still no evidence he had pocketed the money. Laica added that the alleged deposits to Golkar were only touched upon by investigators.

Investigators refused to comment on the day's proceedings, saying they were exhausted after the interrogation which began at 7:30 a.m. and ended at 6 p.m.

Questioning is scheduled to continue next week. (37)