Megawati OKs inquiry into regent

PEKANBARU, Riau: Head of the Riau Provincial Prosecutor's Office Mochammad Huzaini said on Tuesday that his office would question Riau Islands regent Huzrin Hood over alleged graft of Rp 87.2 billion on Thursday following President Megawati Soekarnoputri's approval.

He said Huzrin was notified of the inquiry last Thursday, immediately after the President's approval had been received.

Based on a report from the Supreme Audit Agency (BPK), Huzrin was reportedly involved in corruption related to the Riau Islands 2001 budget. He has been banned from traveling overseas by the immigration office since Sept. 20 last year.

"Nine out of 20 witnesses corroborated the evidence of Huzrin's alleged involvement, so he may become a suspect in the case," Huzaini said.--JP