KPK criticized as 'discriminatory'

KPK criticized as 'discriminatory'

JAKARTA: The Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) has been criticized as being "discriminatory" in investigating graft cases involving state officials and politicians.

"In the people's eyes, the KPK is beginning to appear discriminatory and selective. Despite its achievements, the KPK has not yet exhibited a firm stance against corruption cases involving state officials and politicians," said Romli Atmasasmita, a professor of law from the Bandung-based University of Padjajaran who formerly headed the team that selected KPK members.

Romli cited as an example on Saturday the KPK's probe into the high-profile graft case at the General Elections Commission (KPU).

The investigations have apparently excluded former KPU member and current justice minister Hamid Awaluddin and other officials of the KPU such as Chusnul Mar'iyah and Anas Urbaningrum who recently joined the central board of President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono's Democratic Party.

However, Romli added, based on the testimonies of KPU financial bureau head Hamdani Amin and treasurer Sri Ampini, the evidence was clear that all nine members of the KPU were involved in the case because they all received kickbacks from its partner firms. --Antara