Tommy asking for pardon?

Tommy asking for pardon?

From Rakyat Merdeka

Another legal oddity recently happened. Tommy, former president Soeharto's youngest son, feeling himself innocent in the Bulog-Goro case has asked for a presidential pardon and a delay in the execution of his jail sentence, while at the same time he also plans to seek a judicial review.

In a media conference, the ungentlemanly and greedy nature of Tommy and his lawyers were clearly observable; they have tried to take advantage of all possible legal channels, i.e. clemency, review and delay of execution. Even lay people know clemency can only be appealed for by a person found guilty and who has to undergo punishment, or it can be given by the president to a person serving out their sentence, e.g. political prisoners during the Soeharto and Sukarno regimes.

I highly appreciate the attitude of Ricardo Gelael and his lawyers, which leaves the matter to President Abdurrahman Wahid, or Gus Dur, as "the upholder of the law". Tommy's arrogant attitude is to be regretted. He should have chosen one of two alternatives: a judicial review if he doesn't admit to his crime, or, the route taken by his business partner Ricardo Gelael, admitting to his crime and seeking clemency. As a sincere sportsman, Tommy should be more of a gentleman. Gen. H.R. Darsono's case is an example: he persistency refused to acknowledge his guilt despite the threat of a seven-year prison sentence, only because of his criticism of the then holders of power and slander by his opponents.

I think Tommy's lawyers advised him to take such a step because the legal system has been broken by those who are meant to uphold the law: prosecutors, judges and police. Isn't it true that in this country everything can be arranged? Money has power. But in this particular case people expect the law to be upheld.

If Tommy doesn't feel guilty, that is his right and there is still a channel, i.e. judicial review. But as a good citizen he must do what must be done; he must be prepared for imprisonment. Don't be a mama's boy; why seek a pardon if you feel you are innocent? Don't be like a man accused of stealing a fowl, who begs for pardon because he is incapable of enduring the punches of the police and the people.

Gus Dur would be a big hypocrite if he gave clemency to Soeharto's children.

H. ZAINUDIN ZAINI

Jakarta