"Will I resign? I don`t think so. I only think of how to organize the next hajj pilgrimage and what steps I will take. I don`t think of whether I will resign," Suryadharma said.
Jakarta (ANTARA News) - Religious Affairs Minister Suryadharma Ali stated on Friday he will not resign, although he was named as a suspect in a corruption case linked to hajj pilgrimage management.

"Will I resign? I dont think so. I only think of how to organize the next hajj pilgrimage and what steps I will take. I dont think of whether I will resign," he said at a press conference in the Religious Affairs Ministry here on Friday.

The Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) named Suryadhama Ali as a suspect in an alleged corruption case related to hajj pilgrimage management in 2012-13.

Suryadharma Ali, who is also chairman of the United Development Party (PPP), considered it as a "misunderstanding" the KPK decision to name him as a suspect in the case.

"I always pray that the decision to name me as a suspect will be just a misunderstanding," he said.

He added that he will try to explain the issue surrounding the hajj pilgrimage management.

"Then what will I do? As a suspect, I will, of course, prepare a self defense plan, which is expected to shed light on the accusation leveled at me. I hope that the issue will become clearer so that the misunderstanding can be avoided," he remarked.

Suryadharma said he wondered why he was named as a suspect.

"I dont know what causes me to become a suspect," he added.

KPK deputy chairman Bambang Widjojanto said in a text message received here on Thursday Suryadharma Ali was charged with violating two articles in the anti-corruption law.

"He violated Article 2 and Article 3," Bambang added.

Article 2 paragraph 1 of the Law Number 30 of 199i in conjunction with the Law Number 20 of 2001 states that if anyone amasses wealth for himself or others or a corporation against the law to harm the state and the states economy may be sentenced to a life in prison or a minimum of four years and a maximum of 20 years in jail and fined a minimum of Rp200,000 and a maximum of Rp1 billion.

Meanwhile, Article 2 paragraph 2 states that in the case of corruption crimes committed under certain conditions a death penalty may be imposed.

Article 3 of the law states if anyone seeks to benefit himself or others or a corporation by abusing his power, opportunity and means embedded in him because of his position or official status to harm the states finance or economy may be sentenced to a life in prison or a minimum of one year and a maximum of 20 years in jail and fined a minimum of Rp50 million and a maximum of Rp1 billion. (*)

Editor: Heru Purwanto
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