Golkar accused of cheating

KENDARI, Southeast Sulawesi: The head of Nambo subdistrict in Poasia has attempted to pass off an unspecified amount of rice aid from the Ministry of Social Services as Golkar-sponsored relief, an independent poll watchdog announced on Wednesday.

Patrik Passasung of the Independent Election Monitoring Committee (KIPP) told Antara here the official, who was not named, barred "non-Golkar" villagers from obtaining the rice.

"This rice aid is from Golkar, so villagers who are not members of Golkar are not entitled to get it," the subdistrict head was quoted by Patrik as telling the villagers, who later reported the incident to the regional KIPP.

KIPP found a similar practice in Nembung village in Lambuya district of Kendari regency.

A village head claimed as much as 3.5 tons of rice relief for the poor was a gift from Golkar.

Patrik said the practices were against the new political laws which required civil servants to be neutral -- a move taken after 32 years of manipulation of the bureaucracy to serve the ruling Golkar.

"I don't know whether the village head or the subdistrict head were ordered by their superiors. It's just saddening if they were," he said.

Patrik said the committee also found that voter registration officers collected Rp 5,500 (65 U.S. cents) from registrants in Lupia subdistrict, Kabawo district, Muna regency. (aan)