Nasution resigns as Rudy's lawyer

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)