Golkar accused of cheating

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)