Jakarta – Former Indonesian President Abdurrahman Wahid was questioned by police yesterday over allegations that he received nearly US$2 million from an errant son of former president Suharto in an attempt to buy a presidential pardon.

"There was no such thing," Mr Abdurrahman told reporters afterwards, when asked if he had received 20 billion rupiah from Hutomo "Tommy" Mandala Putra.

"Tommy asked me to intervene in the judicial review he was requesting. I told him I would not interfere in judicial matters," Mr Abdurrahman said after being questioned by police for two hours.

His lawyer, Mr Luhut Pangaribuan, added: "He said he never received money or anything from anyone as far as the pardon is concerned." The former leader's wife was questioned on Tuesday over claims that her charitable foundation received five billion rupiah of the bribe money. She also denied involvement.

Tommy, through his lawyer, has said he gave 20 billion rupiah to two men said to be close to Mr Abdurrahman – Dodi Sumadi and Abdullah Sidiq Muin – to buy a presidential pardon on a corruption conviction.

Tommy, Mr Suharto's youngest son, is now suing the two men for taking the money. His lawyer, Mr Elza Syarief, has said the money was paid to Mr Sumadi and Mr Muin in October 2000. Mr Abdurrahman said he knew Mr Muin but not Mr Sumadi.

The former President admitted he met Tommy twice in separate hotels in October 2000. He said Tommy asked for clemency but he turned down the plea.