Patrialis Akbar Says Short Term Lessened Corruption Charge Chances

Patrialis Akbar says he is thankful his term as justice and human rights minister only lasted for two years, saying anything longer could have left him vulnerable to being named a corruption suspect.

Speaking at his farewell party at the ministry on Wednesday, an at times emotional Patrialis said “ending it in two years is the right decision.”

“If it was more than two years, it could make [me] a [corruption] suspect.”

Indonesia has a long list of justice ministers since the downfall of former dictator Suharto, including the now head of the Constitutional Court, Mahfud MD who lasted for 20 days, and Yusril Ihza Mahendra, who lasted for three years in the cabinet of the former President Megawati Sukarnoputri.

Yusril has been named a corruption suspect in a high-profile graft case though he is still yet to stand trial.

“Hamid Awaludin, Andi Matalata and I, thank God, were trusted [to serve] for two years,” said Patrialis, who is returning to teaching.

source : thejakartaglobe