"Naming BG a suspect has nothing to do with what Hasto and his friends have said," KPK`s deputy for crime prevention Johan Budi said.Jakarta (ANTARA News) - The Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) has denied the Indonesia Democratic Party of Struggles allegations that naming Commissioner General Budi Gunawan in a graft case was related to KPK chief Abraham Samads disappointment.
"Naming BG a suspect has nothing to do with what Hasto and his friends have said," KPKs deputy for crime prevention Johan Budi said here on Thursday.
Hasto Kristiyanto, the acting secretary general of the Indonesia Democratic Party of Struggle (PDIP) said in a press conference here that Abrahan Samad had held meetings with several PDIP and National Democrat Party officials, including the one held at the Capital Residence in Sudirman Central Business District, in connection with the process of his bid for the vice-presidential post last year.
"The case (BG case) has been made based on evidence received by KPK," Johan Budi, who is former KPK spokesman, stated.
He noted that nominating Abraham Samad as a vice-presidential candidate was normal and the recent naming of Commissioner General Budi Gunawan in a corruption case has nothing to do with that.
Regarding Abraham Samads nomination as a vice-presidential candidate, Johan remarked it was legitimate as such an initiative was not prohibited. However, he added, it is wrong to link it with a case handled by KPK.
He pointed out that although the decision to name Budi a suspect was made by Abraham Samad, it also involved other KPK commissioners.
Hence, Johan called on all those who are unhappy with KPKs decision naming Budi Gunawan a suspect to take legal avenues.
"We will respect all legal efforts that will be taken by anyone. Those who are not satisfied with KPKs decision may file complaints through legal avenues," he emphasized.
Johan stressed he did not see Hasto Kristiyantos statement as a move to hinder KPKs investigation into Budi Gunawans role in a graft case.
"What Pak (mr) Harto has said about Abraham Samad who is the KPK chief has certainly affected KPK as an institution. Moreover, his statement is connected to a case KPK has been handling," he noted.
In his statement, Hasto has accused Abraham Samad of blaming Commissioner General Budi Gunawan for his failure to become Jokowis (now President) running mate in the presidential election last year.
Hasto, however, did not explain why the PDIP finally decided not to select Abraham Samad as Jokowis running mate.
He only stated that Jokowi had assigned him to inform Abraham Samad about his decision appointing Jusuf Kalla (now vice-president) as his running mate.
He added that when he conveyed it to Abraham Samad, he said he already knew about it as he had tapped his phone calls.
Johan Budi, however, denied that KPK had tapped Hastos conversations.
"We never tap parties who are not related to a case. If someone is tapped, it means he is involved in a case we are handling," he observed.(*)
Editor: Heru Purwanto
Copyright © ANTARA 2015
