House may probe Scorpion case

JAKARTA: Members of the House of Representatives have proposed an inquiry into the controversial procurement of 100 Scorpion light tanks from British arms company Alvis Vehicle Ltd. in 1990s.

National Mandate Party (PAN) legislator Djoko Susilo said on Tuesday he would seek support from fellow lawmakers to bring the proposal to a plenary meeting of the House.

He said some lawmakers, including Happy Bone Zulkarnaen of the Golkar Party, had already voiced support for the proposal.

Under the House's standing orders, at least 10 legislators from at least two factions are required to propose the opening of an investigation by the House.

British media have reported that the tank deal involved US$31.9 million in bribes for Siti Hardijanti "Tutut" Rukmana, the daughter of then president Soeharto. -- JP