"The governor is not allowed to travel abroad since she is still involved in the legal case, including to conduct the Hajj pilgrimage in 1434-H (2013), although she has obtained the hajj visa," Suryadharma Ali said.Jakarta (ANTARA News) - Religious Affairs Minister Suryadharma Ali confirmed that Banten provincial governor Ratu Atut Chosiyah will not be allowed to perform the hajj pilgrimage this year after the Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) prohibited her from traveling abroad.
"The governor is not allowed to travel abroad since she is still involved in the legal case, including to conduct the Hajj pilgrimage in 1434-H (2013), although she has obtained the hajj visa," Suryadharma told the press at Soekarno-Hatta international airport on Saturday.
Governor Ratu Atut Chosiyah will be questioned by the KPK in connection with her younger brother`s involvement in a bribery case, according to KPK spokesman Johan Budi on Friday.
"We hope the questioning can be conducted in the near future," he disclosed.
Chosiyah`s younger brother, Tubagus Chaery Wardana, alias Wawan, has been named as a suspect by the KPK for having allegedly bribed Constitutional Court chief Akil Mochtar in connection with the Labak district head`s election dispute.
Governor Chosiyah has been banned from traveling abroad due to her impending questioning by the KPK.
"We need witnesses with regards to a bribery case implicating Akil Mochtar that involves her (Governor Chosiyah) brother," Budi pointed out.
Whether or not Atut may leave for the Hajj is greatly dependent upon the KPK and Immigration office, instead of Ministry of Religious affairs, Minister Suryadharma said. (*)
Editor: Heru Purwanto
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