TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - House of Representatives (DPR) Deputy Speaker Fahri Hamzah claimed that the letter sent by DPR Speakers requesting the Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) to suspend the probe against DPR Speaker Setya Novanto did not violate the ethical code.
Setya is currently being investigated for his involvement in a graft case surrounding the electronic identity card (e-KTP) procurement project. “No, [it does not violate the ethical code]. We’re just forwarding the letter,” Fahri said at the Senayan Parliamentary Complex in Jakarta today, Sept. 14.
Earlier, Fahri said that the letter was an aspiration from Setya as a member of society. Fahri added that the letter was not intended to obstruct the investigation into the case. He clarified that such a request could be made by anyone, including a person who is under an inquiry as a suspect.
Criminal law expert with the University of Indonesia (UI) Gandjar Laksmana Bonaparta said that the letter could be a form of obstruction of justice. The Indonesian Anti-Corruption Society had reported the action to the DPR’s Ethics Council.
Earlier on Monday, the KPK scheduled a questioning for Setya. However, he failed to attend the questioning due to an illness. Functional Group (Golkar) Party secretary general Idrus Marham said that Setya suffered diabetes after playing ping pong on Sunday evening, September 10.
DIAS PRASONGKO | AHMAD FAIZ
