"With the new facts from Antasari Azhar, the Palace`s claim was false that it was not aware of the bail out of Bank Century," Bambang, a member of the Supervising Team of the Bank Century case , said, adding, the allegation that the palace apparently referring to President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono, had sought to cover up the case is now confirmed."
Earlier Antasari Azhar, now serving a long term jail term for murder, said as KPK chief he was invited by President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono to the state palace to discuss the controversial bailout,which was allegedly designed to set aside part of the state fund to finance political campaigns before the 2009 elections.
Bambang quoted Antasari as saying that the former KPK chief and a number of cabinet ministers and other high ranking state officials were present at a meeting in the state palace discussing the scandal of Bank Century .
The bank was drained on fund with cash including money belonging to its depositors robbed by its owners who fled the country.
These facts, could help KPK dig out more evidence in its investigation of the scandal, by questioning all those taking part in the meeting, Bambang said here on Friday.
The state suffers big losses because of the scandal and the scandal was the result of abuse of power by officials, he said.
Without attempt to interfere in legal case, the Supervision Team of the House of Representatives on Bank Century will encourage KPK to prepare a new agenda of investigation, he said.
"There have been to much falsehood camouflaging the scandal despite strong public demand to entirely uncover the mega scandal," he said.
A presidential aide has denied the allegation saying there was no such meeting. (*)
Editor: Heru Purwanto
Copyright © ANTARA 2012
