Democratic Party: Nazaruddin still Our Member

VIVAnews - Democratic Party spokesperson, Sutan Bhatoegana, said graft suspect Muhammad Nazaruddin, the former party's treasurer, is not possible to be discharged of the party's membership.

"Even robbers may join the party, let alone Nazaruddin. It's an open party, anyway," said Bhatoegana.

In his opinion, the dismissal is only applicable to certain office. "You can however expel someone serving as House member or anyone having an office in the party's management," he said.

Democratic Party said more cadres are being investigated by the Corruption Eradication Commission for allegedly involved in graft cases such as Sarjan Tahir and Amrun Dulay. Nonetheless, the party cannot but let them be members.

"We cannot dismiss them from the party," he said.

On the other hand, Chairman of Democratic Party Central Board, Pasek Suardika, said earlier that the party is in the process of sending off Nazaruddin.

According to Suardika, Nazaruddin has put away commitments of keeping up with the party's solid reputation.

Nazaruddin is named suspect on the graft case of the athlete dorm project in Palembang, South Sumatra. He fled Indonesia in an effort to avoid any probe against him. The international police has currently inducted Nazaruddin into its hall of wanted.

Despite the fugitive status, Nazaruddin is still registered member of the House of Representatives (DPR).