Golkar removes Sumba councilors

KUPANG, East Nusa Tenggara: Five members of the East Sumba legislative council representing the dominant Golkar faction have been removed by the political organization due to conflicts over the election of regent early this year.

Governor Herman Musakabe, in his capacity as chairman of the patrons' council of the local Golkar chapter, signed the decree removing the five councilors based upon the recommendation of the chairman of Golkar's East Sumba faction, Antara reported.

The five councilors have been charged with being disloyal to the organization during the regent's election by casting their vote for a candidate who was contesting the post against Golkar's nominee.

The Golkar candidate, Mehang Kunda, lost the election in March. His rival, Lukas Kaborag, clinched it, courtesy of the five Golkar rebel councilors. (emb)