REPUBLIKA.CO.ID, JAKARTA -- Vice chairman of the House Budget Democratic Faction 2009-2014 period Mirwan Amir stressed that his testimony as witness for former House speaker Setya Novanto in the e-ID card graft case hearing was based on real facts. He did not have any intention to discredit certain parties, including former President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono (SBY).  

"Also there is no tone of accusation to SBY," he said in a written statement on Wednesday (Feb 7).

Mirwan explained his testimony during the trial on January 25 did not related to other people affairs or interests. Mirwan testified that he once asked SBY to stop e-ID card procurement project but SBY rejected his request. "It was my own personal information as witness at the hearing," he said.

Mirwan also denied the rumor that he has made clarification on his statement at the trial addressed to one of editor-in-chief of one of electronic and print media in Indonesia. He never wrote the letter. "It was a hoax, full of slander and hoax," he said.

Firman to face SBY's report

Meanwhile, Setya Novanto's lawyer, Firman Wijaya has appointed Boyamin Saiman as his lawyer to face SBY's report against him. The report came to National Police Criminal Investigation Unit (Bareskrim Polri) on charges of defamation. "I become lawyer for Firman Wijaya in facing SBY's report to Bareskrim Polri with defamation charges," said Boyamin on Wednesday (Feb 7).

Boyamin said he accepted his appointment as Firman's lawyers because of the truth. He believed Firman has did his profession rightly, which he needs to explore all facts related in the case.

"In order to defend his client who is clearly protected by Advocate Law, I'm sure Firman is not guilty in carrying out his professional duty," Boyamin explained.

He also said to strengthen his lawyer team, Boyamin has prepared team from Kartika Law Firm Surakarta. Other advocates who supported Firman will also follow the case.

Earlier, outside court, Firman Wijaya unveiled testimony at court by a witness saying there was 'big actor' behind the procurement of the e-ID cards.

According to Firman, based on the testimony of Mirwan Amir as witness, the e-ID card project worth almost Rp6 trillion was controlled by the winner of the 2009 election that was the Democrat Party of SBY. Mirwan Amir is a former lawmaker of the ruling party. He testified in the trial of Setya Novanto, former Speaker of the Parliament and general chairman of Golkar, the country's second largest political party.

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