channelnewsasia.com - Yudhoyono accused of limiting power of Indonesia's anti-graft agency
   
 
  blogs  
 
yournews
   
   
 
Video Finance Lifestyle Travel Weather Discussion TV Shows
CNA Live    | About Us 
 
  Home ›
 
Asia Pacific News
Smaller Text Size Larger Text Size

 
 

Yudhoyono accused of limiting power of Indonesia's anti-graft agency
By Channel NewsAsia's indonesia Bureau Chief Sujadi Siswo | Posted: 30 June 2009 0021 hrs

 
 
Photos  of

   
 

JAKARTA: As campaigning in Indonesia's Presidential Election enters its final week, challengers to President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono continue to pile on the pressure.

They accuse him of conducting a smear campaign and trying to curb the powers vested in the country's anti-graft agency.

The war of words has intensified as campaigning in Indonesia's presidential election enters its final week.

Challenger Ms Megawati Sukarnoputri has accused President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono of trying to limit the power of the country's anti-graft agency. The agency was formed in 2003 under Ms Megawati's presidency.

She said: "I'm concerned about the intent. No individual or institution should be allowed to intervene or reduce the power of the anti-corruption commission."

The controversy surfaced after Dr Yudhoyono said the powers of the commission must not go unchecked.

Dr Yudhoyono hit back at his rivals, accusing them of waging a smear campaign against him. He said his track record proves his commitment to fighting corruption.

The incumbent also defended his running mate, Mr Boediono, against persistent attacks from rival and Vice President Jusuf Kalla.

Mr Yudhoyono said: "My running mate, Mr Boediono, was accused of hindering the development of the 10,000 megawatt power plant. That's not what it was. I made the decision. There was the vice president and also other ministers."

Mr Kalla's camp is also pointing fingers at Dr Yudhoyono's campaign team. Last week, a suspect was detained by police for allegedly distributing materials, claiming Dr Boediono's wife is a Catholic.

The suspect has now apparently admitted that the articles had originated from a member of Dr Yudhoyono's campaign team.

Jusuf Kalla, Indonesian presidential candidate, said: "There is a black campaign targeted at us and trying to trap us. We will leave the matter to the law enforcers."

Candidates will have one last chance to re-focus the vote on their plans for Indonesia when they engage in the last of the three presidential debates ahead of the July 8 election.

Besides the mass rallies, dialogue sessions and debate, the candidates and their campaign teams are busy meeting voters' groups to secure their support.

This so called ground assault is believed to be more effective in getting the much needed votes on polling day. - CNA/vm



 

 
Bookmark and Share



Other asiapacific News
Japanese protest over US base before Obama's visit
Thailand says protecting "dignity" in Cambodia spat
Japan to increase aid to Myanmar
Dalai Lama visits Indian border state despite China protest
Chinese PM reaches out to Muslims
Hundreds join anti-corruption rally in Indonesia
Dalai Lama visits Indian monastery despite China protest
Afghanistan rejects UN, foreign criticism of Karzai
NATO strike kills 7 Afghan security forces
France asks Sri Lanka to end emergency laws
Japanese town stages anti-US base protest
Taiwan breeders see big profits in rare shrimps
China says not courting Africa only for energy
Japan steps up aid to Mekong nations

 

 
Affiliate Sites:
 
About Us  |  Contact Us  |  Advertise with Us  |  Terms & Conditions