Ruhut opposes party leader over Nazaruddin return

Democratic Party politician Ruhut Sitompul says he disagrees with party leader Anas Urbaningrum for the latter's decision to form a small team to bring home former party treasurer Nazaruddin from Singapore.

"As long as Nazaruddin is cooperative there should not be a problem. Don't scare him like this. Let the law enforcers take care of the situation," Ruhut said Sunday, as quoted by tribunnews.com.

Nazaruddin, who is alleged to have been involved in two graft cases, flew to Singapore on May 23, just before the Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) was about to summon him and before it could impose a travel ban on him.

House of Representatives Democratic Party chairman Mohammad Jafar Hafsah said he had approved Nazaruddin's request to go to Singapore for a medical check up.

Ruhut added that he hoped Nazaruddin would be cooperative and respond to the KPK's call for questioning.

Ruhut also said he was prepared to accompany Nazaruddin on his return to Indonesia.

Nazaruddin is implicated in an alleged bribery case centering around a contract for the construction of an athlete's dormitory for the 2011 SEA Games in Palembang, South Sumatra. 

Nazaruddin is also alleged to have paid a gratuity to Constitutional Court secretary-general Janedjri M. Gaffar in September 2010. The money was allegedly rejected and returned to him.