Sutiyoso denies maneuvering<\/p>\n
JAKARTA (JP): Governor Sutiyoso denied on Friday allegations
\nhe had launched a "political movement" to secure his position
\nprior to the General Assembly of the City Council in June.<\/p>\n
Rumors were rife that the governor sent his staff to approach
\nand offer money to councillors. The move reportedly was aimed at
\nensuring councillors to remain cooperative when Sutiyoso gave his
\naccountability speech before the legislative body on June 3.<\/p>\n
"Why would I do such a thing? It would only show that I lack
\nconfidence. I don't think it's necessary," he told journalists at
\nCity Hall.<\/p>\n
"The accountability speech is an event where city councillors
\nwill evaluate my performance. They can also offer corrections or
\nsuggestions for my programs," he added.<\/p>\n
Sutiyoso said the General Assembly was just like a student
\nevaluation. "If it turns out that I receive a bad grade in math,
\nfor example, councillors will tell me to study more in math. Just
\nlike that," he said.<\/p>\n
"I've also asked all heads of city agencies to provide
\naccurate information for my accountability speech, so I can
\ndeliver a true account of my performance to the councillors," he
\nsaid, adding that he was ultimately responsible for the
\nperformance of the agencies.<\/p>\n
He also asked councillors to evaluate his performance fairly
\nwithout being swayed by vested interests. "Let's get it plain and
\nsimple. Tell me what I am poor at and how to improve it. Please
\nbe objective in evaluating my performance."<\/p>\n
"Councillors' negative attitude that I have failed in all of
\nmy duties are not useful in developing our city," he added.<\/p>\n
The governor, whose term runs until 2002, said the
\naccountability speech should not be considered a forum to topple
\nhim from office.<\/p>\n
He, however, is facing a number of challenges which could
\ncause him difficulties. He is under pressure over his alleged
\ninvolvement in the July 27, 1996, takeover of the Indonesian
\nDemocratic Party (PDI) headquarters on Jl. Diponegoro in Central
\nJakarta from loyalists of PDI chairwoman Megawati Soekarnoputri.
\nMegawati is currently the Vice President.<\/p>\n
Other problems include a number of corruption cases allegedly
\ninvolving his officials, and the troubled water management
\nagreement between city-owned tap water company PAM Jaya and its
\ntwo foreign partners. (nvn)<\/p>",
"url": "https:\/\/jawawa.id\/newsitem\/sutiyoso-denies-maneuvering-1447893297",
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