Nasution resigns as Rudy's lawyer

JAKARTA (JP): Adnan Buyung Nasution announced late Friday he was resigning as the lawyer of Rudy Ramli, the most prominent figure in the politically charged Bank Bali scandal.

In a statement issued on Friday, Nasution said the loss of trust in their lawyer-client relationship was behind his decision.

Rudy, formerly president and owner of Bank Bali, is at the center of the scandal concerning the transfer of a Rp 546 billion commission to PT Era Giat Prima (EGP) for its assistance in recouping loans to closed banks.

One of EGP's executives, Setya Novanto, is also a top Golkar official.

Although the money has been returned, the political undertones continue to rock B.J. Habibie's government. Several ministers and close aides of the President were allegedly involved in the scandal.

Without going into detail, Nasution said Rudy did not follow his advice as his legal counsel.

"As the defense in the case evolved, Rudy Ramli failed to heed my advice and went his own way," Nasution said.

"Trustworthiness should be the main pillar in the relationship between a client and a lawyer.

"Purely based on ethical considerations that our client is not upholding the principle of trustworthiness, as of Friday, Sept. 3, 1999, we resign as lawyer to Rudy Ramli," Nasution said in a written statement which was also signed by Maqdir Ismail.

Nasution, who is currently in Yogyakarta, refused to comment on whether his decision was the result of external or political pressure.

"I'll explain this tomorrow (Saturday)," he said when contacted by The Jakarta Post. (05/44)