Police neglect proper procedures

Police neglect proper procedures

MAKASSAR, South Sulawesi: Provincial legislators met South
Sulawesi Police chief Insp. Gen. Sofjan Jacob and head of the
provincial prosecutors' office T.A. Panggabean on Tuesday in
connection with an investigation into Ambas Syam, chairman of the
legislature's Commission B.

Ambas has been named a suspect in a defamation case filed by
the head of a local farmers cooperative, Taslim Tammaun, whom
Ambas accused of misusing credits for farmers.

Before presiding over the hearing, Council Speaker Amin Syam
from the Golkar Party said that the police had failed to abide by
the correct procedures which requires them to secure the
council's approval and to consult with the governor and the head
of the city prosecutors' office before beginning the
investigation.

Panggabean said he agreed with the council as the police did
not have any prior consultation with his office before
questioning Ambas Syam.

Sofjan did not openly admit the mistake but said he would
issue an order to put an end to the investigation.

"If Taslim objects, he can file a pre-trial lawsuit," he
added. (27/lup)