Golkar councillors exchange words

MAKASSAR, South Sulawesi: Harsh words between Golkar councillors marked the provincial legislature's plenary session to hear factions' overviews of Governor HZB Palaguna's progress report here on Thursday.

The furious exchange interrupted the session for 30 minutes, but the council eventually unanimously approved the governor's annual report.

The row started when Golkar spokesman Anas Genda questioned Palaguna's failure to clarify some projects allegedly tainted by corruption.

Anas was quickly met with protest from his colleagues, including council speaker Amin Syam, who said that the issue had already been settled during the just concluded recess.

Amin then called for a break to discuss the discrepancy.

Palaguna, who attended the session, hailed the debate as a learning process toward democracy.

Golkar dominates the council with 44 out of 74 seats. (27/bby)