Ghalib ready for clarification on accusations against ex-bosses
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)