"Certainly, the case is hard to explain for all party members, and with regards to the partys future," he said at a press conference at the partys headquarters on Thursday.
Surya added that there were only two options left for party members, who are involved in a corruption case, which is to resign or get fired.
He said his party respected upholding law enforcement. "We are consistent with what we say and what we do. Nasdem never strays from its commitment towards law enforcement," he stated.
Surya also expressed his appreciation for Patrice, who announced his resignation from the party despite his contribution to the establishment of the party.
"It is a concern, but it also reflects the partys commitment and consistency to its (anti-corruption) principle," he said.
The Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) has named Patrice as a suspect for allegedly accepting bribe in connection with a social aid case, sharing funds and capital participation payments with a number of regional government-owned companies in North Sumatra, which were handled by North Sumatras public prosecutor office.
"Investigators have concluded there are two pieces of evidence to confirm corruption committed by North Sumatra Governor Gatot Pujo Nugroho and his wife Evy Susanti. In the same case the investigators have also found two pieces of evidence against Patrice Rio Capella, suspected in his capacity as a parliament member," KPK Deputy Commissioner, Johan Budi said on Thursday.
"Gatot and Evy have been charged for allegedly giving rewards or pledges, while Patrice was the alleged recipient," Johan said.(*)
Editor: Heru Purwanto
Copyright © ANTARA 2015
