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