Soeharto questioned again over alleged corruption

JAKARTA (JP): A team of state prosecutors questioned for a third time former president Soeharto here on Monday over alleged corruption during his 32 years in power.

Soeharto was questioned for more than two hours at his residence in Central Jakarta. Most of the nine questions dealt with his alleged misuse of funds involving seven charitable foundations he at one time controlled.

The quizzing began after a medical team, also present at his home, declared that he was fit enough to undergo the session, one of Soeharto's lawyers, Mohammad Assegaf, said.

"A team of doctors from RSCM (Cipto Mangunkusumo state hospital) said that it was possible for Bapak to undergo questioning, but it should not be rushed," Assegaf told journalists, referring to the 78-year-old former ruler.

Assegaf said Soeharto's physical condition on Monday was good but added that during the questioning he had problems with his memory.

To help him remember things and create a "friendly atmosphere", one of the five prosecutors, Purwanto, asked the questions in Javanese, Assegaf added.

He stated that Purwanto spoke in classical Javanese which is commonly used in conversation with elders or respected people.

The retired five-star general is suspected of abusing his power and authority through issuing decrees and government regulations that helped him amass a fortune via the foundations he represented and controlled.

The Attorney General's Office has summoned executives of the foundations, including two of Soeharto's children.

It has also confiscated documents relating to the Supersemar Foundation and Dharmais Foundation as evidence in the case.

Soeharto, who has been placed under city arrest and banned from leaving the country, was questioned twice last month, but both times the sessions were cut short after doctors insisted he was too ill to continue.

His lawyers have repeatedly said that Soeharto is unable to undergo questioning because he cannot communicate clearly as a result of the stroke he suffered last year.

Spokesman for the Attorney General's Office Yushar Yahya said later in the day that the questioning would continue sometime this week but declined to specify exactly when.

Soeharto's other lawyer, Juan Felix Tampubolon, said his client is ready for questioning twice a week if he could maintain his health.

Attorney General Marzuki Darusman said on Sunday his office plans to question Soeharto every Monday and Thursday in a bid to speed up the investigation.

Demands have mounted for the present government to bring Soeharto to justice. Hundreds of students clashed with police on Friday after they attempted to force their way into the former president's residence.

President Abdurrahman Wahid has offered a pardon if Soeharto is found guilty. (01/byg)