Dayaks want governor out

Dayaks want governor out

PALANGKA RAYA, Central Kalimantan: Dayak tribal leaders said
on Wednesday they wanted outgoing Central Kalimantan Governor
Warsito Rasman to leave the province as soon as possible, saying
his five-year term was more than enough and his presence was no
longer needed in the province.

Dayak Traditional Council chairman Walman Narang told the
provincial legislative council that Warsito's term expired in
July and he should leave the province as soon as possible.

Walman said the Dayak people rejected last week's decision by
the Ministry of Home Affairs extending Warsito's term until the
election of a new governor.

"Please do not add to the people's suffering; we have been
fooled by Warsito for five years," Antara quoted Walman as
saying.

Warsito, who was then a senior official at the Ministry of
Home Affairs, won a controversial election to become governor of
the province in 1994.

The election was initially won by then North Barito regent
Apuk Nihin, a native Dayak. Then minister of home affairs Moch.
Yogie S.M. annulled Apuk's victory and ordered another election,
which was won by Warsito.

Two months ago, President B.J. Habibie appointed Apuk Central
Kalimantan's provincial secretary in a move which sparked
controversy in the province. (prb)