Malinda pledges to be more open to press
The Jakarta Post, Jakarta | Thu, 02/23/2012 8:06 PM
Tribunnews.com/Ferdinand WaskitaFormer Citibank customer relationship senior manager Inong Malinda Dee, who was arrested for embezzling up to Rp 17 billion (US$1.88 million) from her customers’ accounts, has blamed the media for creating negative sentiments against her.
Malinda said she thought it was because she rarely spoke to the press.
“Yes, we [she and her lawyers] rarely speak to journalists,” Malinda said on Thursday while leaving the South Jakarta District Court.
She promised to hold a press conference to explain things related to her and her case.
“I will explain thoroughly about the case to the press. But I will be represented by my lawyers, okay?” she said.
Malinda read her plea during the Thursday hearing after prosecutors demanded a 13-year prison sentence and a fine of Rp 10 billion (US$1.11 million).
In her plea, she said that the press had dramatized her case, creating negative sentiments against her and making people think that she had embezzled the money to buy luxurious cars. She said that such publications had disturbed her and her family, as well as damaged her image.
Malinda is known for her collection of lavish cars, including two Ferraris and a Sport Utility Vehicle (SUV) worth around Rp 1.1 billion, which she gave to her 23-year-old husband Andhika Gumilang. (swd)
