Golkar criticizes Marzuki over handling of BI chief case
Golkar criticizes Marzuki over handling of BI chief case
JAKARTA (JP): Censured by almost daily student demonstrations
for the slow pace of investigation into several high profile
corruption cases, Attorney General Marzuki Darusman is also
coming under fire from his own party ranks.
Senior Golkar Party executives, of which Marzuki is a deputy
chairman, lashed out at the Attorney General for his office's
handling of the Bank Bali scandal which has implicated Central
Bank Governor Sjahril Sabirin as a suspect.
The issue came to the fore during a party executive meeting
late Monday night.
Agung Laksono, another Golkar Party deputy chairman verbally
attacked Marzuki on Tuesday and demanded he resign from his post.
"Marzuki should choose between being the party's deputy
chairman or the Attorney General. His dual responsibilities are
only causing difficulties," Agung told journalists.
Agung maintained that Marzuki had besmirched the party by
presenting an alleged ultimatum to Sjahril either to resign or be
named a suspect in the multi-billion Bank Bali scandal which
allegedly involves the funneling of funds to certain Golkar
executives to help the re-election of former president B.J.
Habibie last year.
Agung said by applying such pressure against Sjahril, Marzuki
had violated the law and undermined the legal process.
"Golkar should be ashamed of Marzuki's maneuver which violates
the party's program to uphold the law," he added.
Sources here on Tuesday said Monday's executive party meeting
were split over the issue.
Separately on Tuesday, Golkar Party chairman Akbar Tandjung
rejected the idea.
"There is no plan for it. Marzuki has conducted his job
properly," Akbar told journalists.
He further noted that despite Marzuki being a Golkar Party
member, it is up to President Abdurrahman Wahid when it comes to
appointing and removing the Attorney General.
Akbar also rejected suggestions that investigations in the
Bank Bali scandal would uncover involvement of several party
executives.
"Golkar has nothing to do with the Bank Bali scandal," he
asserted.
Many analysts believe Akbar would not tamper with the
investigation since the scandal involves Golkar figures more
often aligned with Habibie than Akbar himself. (jun)