Prosecutors seek presidential approval

MATARAM, West Nusa Tenggara: Prosecutors investigating alleged graft in the West Nusa Tenggara (NTB) provincial and regency councils said on Wednesday they were unable to proceed further with their investigation, pending presidential approval.

Prosecutor Djuwito Pengasuh said his office had sent a letter to President Megawati Soekarnoputri's office seeking permission to question 18 legislators from the West Nusa Tenggara provincial council suspected of embezzling Rp 48 billion (US$5.3 million) from the provincial budget, as well as councillors from several regency councils.

However, the government has not given a hint as to when presidential approval will be granted, said Djuwito. -- Antara