Golkar councilors to be removed

PADANG, West Sumatra: Golkar has asked three of its members to relinquish their posts in the Padang Pariaman Legislative Council following protests from the party's constituents.

Chairman of the party's provincial chapter Leonardi Harmainy said the withdrawal had been approved by the central board of executives in Jakarta.

The process to withdraw the three councilors is underway and will be made formal through a ruling to be decided in a plenary chapter meeting, Leonardi said.

"They could be punished if they refuse to comply with the policy," he said.

A 1999 political party law prohibits a party from recalling its representatives in the legislative council.

Leonardi said the party constituents had frequently demanded that the three councillors be replaced by other party members who won more votes in the 1999 elections.

The Golkar chapter here will name the replacements through a vote, Leonardi said. -- Antara