Wednesday 13 August 2008

Kaban defies 2nd graft summons

Thursday, August 14, 2008 Jakarta Post

Kaban defies 2nd graft summons

JAKARTA: Forestry Minister Malam Sambat Kaban failed for the second time to heed a summons for questioning at the Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) on Tuesday.

KPK spokesman Johan Budi said his office received confirmation from Kaban that the minister was unable to attend again because he was carrying out a "state duty".

"We will reschedule the questioning again," Johan added, as quoted by Antara news agency.

On Monday, the minister promised to show up at the KPK after failing to comply with his first summons on Friday, citing the same reason.
Kaban has been implicated in a scandal involving Rp 100 billion "illegally" disbursed from the central bank.

A witness testified during last week's hearing at the Corruption Court that Kaban received Rp 300 million of the money in 2003, while serving as a legislator from the Crescent Star Party.

The witness, Hamka Yandhu who is an active legislator from the Golkar Party, also accused State Minister for National Development Planning Paskah Suzetta of receiving Rp 1 billion of the funds. --JP