Azis Syamsuddin: When The Verdict Falls, I'm Committed Not To Enter The World Of Politics Anymore

JAKARTA - Former Deputy Speaker of the DPR from the Golkar Party faction, Azis Syamsuddin, is committed not to return to politics after resolving his legal problems.

"I have also discussed with my family, if there is a verdict on him, I am committed not to enter politics anymore," said Azis Syamsuddin when reading a plea memorandum (pleidoi) at the Jakarta Corruption Court (Tipikor), as reported by Antara, Monday, January 31st.

In this case, Azis Syamsuddin was charged with 4 years and 2 months in prison plus a fine of IDR 250 million, subsidiary of 6 months in prison, for allegedly giving bribes of IDR 3,099 billion and 36 thousand US dollars, bringing a total of around IDR 3.619 billion to former KPK investigator Stepanus Robin Pattuju and Maskur Husain advocate.

Azis was also charged with additional punishment in the form of revocation of political rights to be elected in public office for 5 years after serving the main sentence.

"I will continue the struggle of living together with my family by becoming a lecturer which I have been doing for almost 8 years and as an advocate who has been inactive for almost 17 years because I am bound by law as a member of the DPR cannot act as an advocate," said Azis.

Azis also apologized to a number of parties.

"I apologize with 10 fingers in my heart. I apologize profusely to my constituents, to the party that raised me, and the relevant state institutions because I have to focus on the legal process that I face, so I can't complete my mandate." given to me as chairman of the DPR," said Azis.

He hopes that the judicial process that he undergoes in the future will be an example of a trial that is based on facts and considers just and civilized human values.

"My deepest apologies, I convey to my beloved wife and two children, to all the people of Lampung, which is my constituency as a representative of the people for the direct or indirect impact of the exams that I have to pass," said Azis.

Azis admitted that the legal problems that ensnared him were a gift from God.

"I miss living everyday with my family. I hope to be able to accompany my wife and family. My mother is currently 75 years old and battling cancer that has spread to her lungs. Therefore, at this trial, allow me to have a fair chance in fighting for justice, so that I can return to my family, my wife, children and friends and especially the people of Lampung," said Azis, stammering a little.

Azis also once again revealed that he has no intention of giving bribes to former KPK investigator Stepanus Robin Pattuju, because he believes Robin does not have the capacity and ability to determine cases.

"The public prosecutor makes an imaginary claim, because the witnesses do not support each other. This is a character assassination for me," said Azis.

Azis also said that he did not take an oath of muhabalah with former Kutai Kartanegara Regent Rita Widyasari because he respected the panel of judges.

"There is no request to take an oath of muhabalah with sister Rita Widyasari, because I respect the panel of judges for the noble judge's request not to do this and I believe I still have a future in the frame of development towards advanced Indonesia," said Azis.

Although he admits that he will leave the political arena, Azis said that the world of politics is his identity.

"In the world of politics, I realize this is who I am! I can actualize myself and contribute and God willing, I will do it sincerely and benefit the wider community," said Azis.

The KPK Public Prosecutor (JPU) in his indictment stated that Azis Syamsuddin was suspected of providing bribes to manage the KPK's investigation into the Special Allocation Fund (DAK) of the Central Lampung Regency APBNP for the 2017 Fiscal Year in which Azis was suspected of being involved.