Four vie for Banten top post

CILEGON, Banten: Four contenders for the post of Banten governor separately visited Banten's influential leader H. Syafik Latifie of the Bany Latif Islamic Boarding School, Antara reported on Thursday.

The four candidates -- all natives of Banten -- are Brig. Gen. (ret) Herman Sarens Sudiro, former Jakarta deputy governor Tubagus M. Rais, and Golkar party figures Ekky Syahruddin and Aly Yahya.

The four paid respect to Kyai Syafik Latifie in separate occasions, and have asked for the Muslim cleric's blessings as they wish to become the next Banten governor.

Banten was declared a province in November.

Kyai Syafik confirmed the visits, saying they were "all good and have potential."

"I welcome their wish but I didn't guarantee them anything since the election will be run by the local legislative body. It is up to the legislature to decide," the Kyai said.

He further stressed that the gubernatorial election must be run in a fair manner.

"There should be no money politics. Banten people will strongly oppose corrupt leaders who ignore the people's welfare. We want a true and honest leader," the Kyai asserted.

Head of the Coordination Board of Banten Province Tubagus Tryana Sam'un said that the Banten people were ready to handle the situation if there were disputes among the political elite over the governorship. (edt)