Nazaruddin terrorized his former political allies and proteges while on the lam with taunts that they were bandits just like him.

After his forcible return to Indonesia, Nazaruddin should realize that the people will not be easily cheated by either smart talk or tricky tactics from the former Democratic Party treasurer and his attorney.

Nazaruddin deserves neither clemency nor empathy. If guilty, he should receive the maximum punishment for his evil deeds – along with those who allegedly worked with him to rob the state's coffers and those who reaped the benefits of Nazaruddin's alleged massive wrongdoings.

The alleged ways that Nazaruddin forced government agencies and ministries to mark up project costs and the way he allegedly profited from the projects are shameful. The tactics he allegedly employed were so unsophisticated that even ordinary people shook their heads in disbelief at such practices.

The primitive methods used to steal from the state under the leadership of President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono, who prides himself as a warrior in our war against corruption, has been an embarrassment.

Nazaruddin has repeatedly claimed that several big names were involved in the corruption scandal that has engulfed him, including Democratic Party chairman Anas Urbaningrum and several House legislators. They have all firmly denied the allegations. The public has little confidence in their denials.

The Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) has no choice but to investigate Nazaruddin's case transparently and bring him to court.

The public will be outraged if the KPK uses old tactics to cover up the scandals. The commission does not need to use advanced technology or sophisticated investigative techniques to determine who might have benefitted. For the public, Nazaruddin's scandals are already as clear as crystal.

Nazaruddin, a newcomer in national politics, has rocked the nation with his ability to allegedly rob the state using blunt tactics.

He has apparently done so without fear, perhaps believing that he was untouchable since he also allegedly distributed a small portion of the ill-gotten booty to political elites in several political parties, the House of Representatives and law enforcement.

The President should ensure that the investigation of Nazaruddin is conducted with maximum speed and accuracy.

Yudhoyono can no longer rely on the foul excuse that he does not want to interfere with the daily duties of the National Police or Attorney General's Office.

Yudhoyono should realize that there is a worsening public perception of him as incompetent in handling major corruption cases.

The lawyers of Nazaruddin are entitled maximum access to their client. However, they should remember that the people have little confidence in their integrity and honest, just as they perceive law enforcement officers.

The KPK's leaders, the elites of the Democratic Party and the legislators whose names were often cited by Nazaruddin must prove their innocence through honest and transparent legal procedures – and not through dirty tactics such as political compromises.

As a gentleman and as an honorable member of the House, Nazaruddin must prove all of his accusations. He will be a simple coward if he cannot – or fails to find the guts – to present the evidence that would substantiate his allegations.

The rise of Nazaruddin's political career was just like a rocket. But now he has humiliated himself and sank to the level of pariah. He deserves no clemency. However, he might win respect if he is willing and able to show that whatever came out from his mouth was based on strong proof.

Yudhoyono has failed to counter public perceptions of his incompetence in the war that he himself declared against corruption. We cannot say that the nation will be on the right track until we elect new national leaders in 2014.