Ghalib ready for clarification on accusations against ex-bosses

MAKASSAR, South Sulawesi (JP): Responding to his successor's intention to question him over comments published in a memoir illuminating his tenure as Attorney General, Andi Muhammad Ghalib said here on Friday that he was prepared to clarify accusations that two top officials forbid his attempts to prosecute former president Soeharto.

"What I wrote in my book was true and honest. There will be no problem for me if the Attorney General's Office wants me to clarify the content of my book. I'm ready," Ghalib told reporters at the Sedona Hotel prior to the launching of his controversial book entitled Menepis Badai, Menegakkan Supremasi Hukum (Warding Off the Storm, Upholding the Supreme Law).

The launching is scheduled to take place on Saturday evening.

Faisal Basri, member of the Movement of Citizens Concerned for State Assets (Gempita), said to reporters after meeting with Attorney General Marzuki Darusman in Jakarta on Thursday that the attorney general would summon Ghalib regarding his statements.

Ghalib stated in the book that the then president B.J. Habibie and former military chief and minister of defense and security Gen. (ret.) Wiranto, had prohibited the office's attempt to initiate court proceedings against Soeharto.

According to Faisal, the attorney general is curious as to the veracity of Ghalib's statements.

Neither Habibie or Wiranto have denied Ghalib's statements.

If Ghalib fails to provide reasonable clarification then it will be assumed that the book does not embrace any truth, said Faisal.

Observers suggest that if Ghalib is able to present acceptable explanations for his statements then both Habibie and Wiranto could be charged with violating the Peoples' Consultative Assembly's (MPR) Decree No. 11/1998 regarding the honesty of government officials, as well as other existing laws.

Alternatively if it were proved that Ghalib had been dishonest, then he could be charged with violating the MPR decree.

"What's the use of writing treacherous statements? The book is aimed at clarifying what happened when I held the position of Attorney General," Ghalib said on Friday, adding that he did not intend to use the book 'to clear himself' of any suspicion.

"My dignity and reputation have been called into question. It's impossible for me to restore and reconstruct that. I just want to correct things."

Many people have alleged that Ghalib was notorious for various "legal sins". The accusations include his defense of Soeharto, as well as an act of embezzlement alleged by Indonesian Corruption Watch. (30/sur)