Mega urged to let probe go forward

JAKARTA: The Indonesian Democratic Party of Struggle (PDI Perjuangan) urged President Megawati Soekarnoputri on Tuesday to sign a letter allowing police to question several legislators suspected of taking bribes.

"We hope the President will sign the letter as soon as possible so the case can be resolved immediately," PDI Perjuangan deputy chairman Roy B.B. Janis said on Tuesday.

Former legislator Indira Damayanti Soegondo earlier accused several PDI Perjuangan legislators of taking bribes from the Indonesian Bank Restructuring Agency (IBRA) to endorse the sale of Bank Niaga, which was under its custodianship.

PDI Perjuangan, however, seemed to have ignored the allegation, prompting Indira to resign from both the House and PDI Perjuangan.

Indira reported the case to the police, but investigators have yet to question the legislators accused by Indira of receiving bribes.

Police investigators said earlier that they could not question the legislators without first receiving permission from President Megawati.

Megawati has given no hint if she will issue a letter allowing the questioning any time soon. --JP