I need to explain that the President is very mindful of the regulations in force."Medan, North Sumatra (ANTARA News) - President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono has denied allegations that he is using state money and facilities for his campaign activities in various regions.
Minister and State Secretary Sudi Silalahi made a statement denying the allegations on the Presidents behalf before attending the ruling Democratic Partys (PDs) campaign rally at Merdeka Square here on Friday.
Sudi said he has been compelled to issue a clarification in view of a number of news reports alleging that the Presidents campaign breached the elections law as he was using the state budget for it.
He claimed the news reports were not true because the President had not used state money for the campaign or for any other unlawful activities.
"I need to explain that the President is very mindful of the regulations in force. He will not use the state budget for campaigning or for other activities for which state money is not allowed to be used," the minister stated.
The minister explained that money used to pay for flights and accommodation was adjusted to suit the regulations in force.
"For activities required to be funded by the partys funds, only the partys funds have been used," he said.
To ensure that no state budget funds have been used in campaign activities, the president will invite the State Audit Board (BPK) at the end of the campaign to audit the use of funds, he remarked.
"Thus, the people can be assured that no mistakes have been made," he added.
(Uu.A014/INE/KR-BSR/F001)
Editor: Priyambodo RH
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