“When we're sick and need to go abroad for medical treatment, our insurance doesn’t cover that. So, we asked for help from the state,” Laode said late Monday, during a hearing at the House of Representatives' Commission III, which oversees human rights, security and legal affairs.

“Medical treatment abroad is not included in the KPK’s health coverage, so if we keep using our budget, we're afraid that it will lead to findings of irregularities by the BPK [Supreme Audit Agency],” he added.

(Read also: Novel in good condition despite injuries: Presidential spokesperson)

As earlier reported, the KPK asked the government to cover the medical treatment costs for Novel, who suffered severe burns and eye injuries in an acid attack last week and has gone to Singapore to receive treatment. President Joko “Jokowi” Widodo approved the request, which has led to suspicion among House members, who are curious about why the KPK asked Jokowi for financial assistance.

“Why did they ask Jokowi for money? We give you a large budgetary allocation every year. You can come to us if you need more," Commission III chairman Bambang Soesatyo of the Golkar Party said.

"The KPK shouldn’t beg for sympathy like this,” said Indonesian Democratic Party of Struggle (PDI-P) lawmaker Masinton Pasaribu. (ebf)

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