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)