PAN official questioned over bombing

MAKASSAR, South Sulawesi: South Sulawesi Police questioned on Friday Tamsil Linrung, an official of the National Mandate Party (PAN), as a witness for Agung Abdul Hamid, the main suspect of the Dec. 4 bomb blast at a McDonald's outlet in Makassar.

Tamsil had made a statement to the mass media that Agung contacted him the day after the bombing on Dec. 5.

During cross-examination, Tamsil said that Agung phoned him to convey Idul Fitri greetings.

In the telephone conversation, Tamsil said that Agung and Laskar Jundullah had been accused of carrying out the Makassar bombing, and Agung replied: "I know, but there is no truth to the accusation, so don't worry about it."

Tamsil was accompanied by 15 lawyers, one of Laskar Jundullah's leaders, Iswari Al Farisy, and other religious leaders in answer to the police summons.

Tamsil said he was ready to be summoned again by police at any time. --JP