Todung says no to Democratic Party

JAKARTA: Noted lawyer Todung Mulya Lubis has confirmed he will pass on an offer of a patron post in the largest party in the country.

Todung said Thursday he had informed several officials at President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono's Democratic Party, which enjoyed a landslide victory in last year's legislative election, of his decision. He said he would keep his current job at the selection committee for the next chief of the Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK).

"I have told to Pak Andi Mallarangeng I want to focus on doing my job as a member of the selection team for the new KPK chairman," he said, adding that he did not want the KPK to fall into the wrong hands.

"As someone who has been fighting corruption, I feel the need to continue guarding the selection of the KPK's next chief," he said, adding that his decision was final.

The KPK leadership selection committee has received more than 280 applicants for the post. - JP