Palace Denies Allegation that President Has Given Money to Anas

Tabanan, Bali (Antara) - Presidential Spokesman Julian Aldrian Pasha denied a statement by former Democratic Party chairman Anas Urbaningrum's lawyer that President Susilo Bambang Yudhono had given money to Anas for the purchase of a Toyota Harrier car. "The President has never given him an appreciation (money) as an expression of thanks," Julian said here on Sunday. Apart from that, Julian said, it was also inappropriate for the president if he gave the appreciation to Anas on ground that he was successful to bring victory to the Democratic Party (PD) in the 2009 general elections. "The victory made by the party at that time was a result of the collective work of all sides, including the party's constituents and the people," he said. He said the Anas Urbaningrum's lawyer's statement was gravely deplorable and groundless. On Friday, Anas's lawyer Urbaningrum Wijaya said that the down-payment of the Toyota Harrier of his client came from President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono. The Toyota Harrier was suspected to have been given to Anas Urbaningrum as a gift to smooth the process of the Hambalang sport complex project. "The down-payment of the car came from SBY (Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono)," Firman said at the Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) on Friday. Firman said that the car was given as an expression of thanks to Anas because he had been fighting for the victory of the Democratic Party. "Based on facts, the(car) was given as a gift after (Anas) was working hard to bring victory to (the Democratic Party) in the general elections," Firman said. "The down-payment was given in cash," he added. The KPK has confiscated a Toyota Harrier from Anas which was believed as a gift linked to the Hambalang project. (*)