HMI calls for investigation of Fatwa

JAKARTA: Leaders from the Islamic Student Organization (HMI) called on the House of Representatives on Friday to investigate bribery accusations leveled against House deputy speaker A.M. Fatwa.

"Although Fatwa has clarified and denied the allegation, the case must be further examined," HMI chairman Kholis Malik told reporters.

Legislator Permadi of the Indonesian Democratic Party of Struggle (PDI Perjuangan) has accused Fatwa of trying to bribe a team investigating a fake money scandal with Rp 20 billion (US$2.2 million) to stop the investigation.

Permadi said Fatwa once stated the funds came from money paper producer PT Pura Baru Tama in Kudus, Central Java.

Fatwa has denied the accusation and said it was part of efforts to tarnish the image of his National Mandate Party (PAN) and divert attention from the bribery scandal currently plaguing PDI Perjuangan. -- Antara.