Poll body chairman evades questioning

Poll body chairman evades questioning

JAKARTA: The Jakarta General Elections Commission (KPU
Jakarta) chairman Muhammad Taufik failed to show up for
questioning at the Jakarta Prosecutor's Office on Monday.

His lawyers sent a notice that the corruption suspect was
being treated at Agung Hospital in Manggarai, South Jakarta, for
liver problems and high blood pressure.

Taufik is the sole suspect in the alleged misappropriation of
a Rp 168.6 billion (US$17.75 million) fund for organizing
legislative and presidential elections last year.

Chief prosecutor Rusdi Tahir said the questioning was
rescheduled for Wednesday and Thursday.

"Falling sick has become a trend among corruption suspects to
avoid investigation," he said, expressing his disappointment over
Taufik's absence.

So far, the prosecutors have interrogated several witnesses,
including KPU Jakarta secretary Abdullah Achmad, former secretary
Ismeth S. Hasan, commission member A Riza Patria, head of general
affairs unit Basuki, and the commission treasurer Neneng, who
handled the city fund. -- JP