Hans David Tampubolon, Jakarta – President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono's Democratic Party spokesman, Ruhut Sitompul, said he suspected political motives were behind the Constitutional Court's ruling that led to immediate termination of Hendarman Supandji's tenure as the attorney general.

Ruhut told a discussion at the House of Representatives that former justice minister Yusril Ihza Mahendra, who had questioned Hendarman's legality as the attorney general, might have an insider within the court's panel of judges that made the ruling go in his favor.

"One of the judges is Hamdan Zoelva. How come nobody mentioned this?" Ruhut said of the former politician from the Crescent Star Party (PBB), which was founded by Yusril.

Politicians vying for seats at the Constitutional Court must quit politics.

Constitutional Court chief Mahfud MD said after a court hearing on Wednesday that Hendarman was no longer legitimate as the attorney general as a result of the verdict.

Ruhut said Mahfud, former minister and National Awakening Party politician, might have a vested interest to make a name for himself politically.

"He [Mahfud] was once touted as a possible presidential candidate. Maybe he wants to stand on equal grounds with SBY [Yudhoyono]," Ruhut said.