“His policies implemented during his term used the regional budget; hence, we shall consider it a responsibility that should be conducted by a public official. We can't justify his actions by considering these things," prosecutor Ali Mukartono said at Ahok’s second hearing at the North Jakarta District Court on Tuesday. 

The prosecutor referred to Ahok’s exception in his first hearing on Dec. 13, during which the non-active governor mentioned several pro-Muslim programs he had implemented under his administration as an East Belitung City Council member, East Belitung regent and Jakarta governor.

(Read also: Prosecutors promise to prove Ahok's criminal intent during trial)

Ahok said that during his term as a Jakarta governor, he had constructed several mosques across the city, including in every low-cost apartment building. He said he also sent mosque attendants to Saudi Arabia for umrah (minor haj).

During the Ramadhan fasting month, Ahok said, he always let Muslim civil servants go home early so they could pray with their families at home. He further claimed he had routinely paid zakat (Islamic Alms), according to the Islam teaching. 

In today’s hearing, Ali responded to Ahok's claims by saying that serving the residents was an obligation of each public official.  Ahok should still face legal consequences from his blasphemous speech in Thousand Islands, he added. (ebf)

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