Factions oppose no confidence vote

Factions oppose no confidence vote

MANADO, North Sulawesi: Three factions at the provincial
council have rejected the proposal of the Indonesian Democratic
Party of Struggle (PDI Perjuangan) faction to go ahead with the
vote of no confidence against council speaker Syahrial Damopolii,
following his statement on freeing North Sulawesi.

Speaking to The Jakarta Post on Tuesday, officials from three
factions -- the United Development Party (PPP) faction, the
Indonesian Military (TNI)/Police faction and the Golkar Party
faction -- stated that there is no urgency to implement the idea.

"In an era of democracy, I think people should express their
own opinions," secretary of PPP faction Syacrul Poli said, adding
that it was not Damopolii's personal statement.

Councillor Setiadi from TNI/Police faction echoed Poli saying
that such action wasn't necessary and the council should instead
internally clarify the statement with Damopolii in order to
settle the dispute.

Secretary of the Golkar Party faction Victor Maliangkay said
that Damopolii's statement was just an opinion and was in fact
similar to speaker of the People's Consultative Assembly Amien
Rais' ideas on a federal state.

"This is not something to be repeatedly discussed over and
over again. It cannot be used to topple anyone," Victor said.

However, PDI Perjuangan faction chairman Djenry Keintjem said
that he would continue with efforts to replace Damopolii. (48)