Police to question governor on graft

KUPANG, East Nusa Tenggara: The police have requested President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono's permission to question Governor Piet A. Tallo as a witness in an alleged corruption case worth Rp 15 billion (US$1.5 million), a police official said on Tuesday.

East Nusa Tenggara Police chief Brig. Gen. Edward Aritonang said the request letter had been sent on Oct. 5 this year through the National Police Headquarters in Jakarta.

If the request is granted, the governor will be questioned over the funds allocated in the 2002/2003 provincial budget for medical facilities. The case was first made public in 2003.

"The request is ready to be submitted. The police are waiting for permission from the President to examine Governor Tallo as a witness in the alleged corruption case," he said.