"Nazaruddin left the country before he was banned to go abroad. But he often goes to Singapore so he should not be punished for having seemingly fled to another country," the minister said here on Friday.
He said the Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) had last Tuesday evening asked for a travel ban on three people, namely Octarina Furi, Yulianis and M Nazaruddin.
However, Nazaruddin left for Singapore on Monday night (May 23), one day before the ban was issued.
The reason for KPK to ask for travel bans for the three persons was that they should stay at home to facilitate its corruption investigation.
Patrialis said the request for a travel ban could actually be more rapidly be conveyed by a telephone call in the first place. "This is because a letter takes some time to reach the addressee," he added.
Reports were rife that Nazaruddin had fled to Singapore before the KPK was able to summon him over an alleged bribery case at the ministry of youth and sports affairs.
KPK spokesman Johan Budi said the commission had not yet set a date for the summoning of Nazaruddin as a witness but had planned to do so next week.(*)
Editor: Heru Purwanto
Copyright © ANTARA 2011
