Golkar Believes Chief Judge Case Will Not Effect Vote Totals

Denpasar (Antara Bali) - Golkar Party officials believes the alleged bribery case of Constitutional Court chief judge Akil Mochtar will not affect its performance in the next parliamentary election, a party official said.

"Golkar Party is an old and big party, and its cadre is selected with care. Therefore, we are optimistic we will be able to revive Golkar`s glory," Golkar`s deputy secretary general Gde Sumarjaya said, when asked about the issue, here on Saturday.

He admitted the case involving Golkar members would affect public opinion but said, "This is only a small problem involving certain individuals in the Golkar Party."

He added that the issue was a test for the party to improve itself. He said other party members and he would prioritize work and show concrete results to meet the aspirations of the people, while reviving the glory of the party.

The Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) has questioned governor of Banten province Ratu Atut Chosiyah, who is a Golkar member, in connection with Akil Mochtar`s case.

"Atut has been questioned because investigators need information from the foremost authority in Banten," KPK deputy Bambang Widjojanto said. KPK is still investigating the case and did not confirm if Atut is involved. (*/M038)