Governor to take mayor's job

PADANG: West Sumatra Governor Zainal Bakar will take over on Monday the responsibilities of Payakumbuh mayor from Darlis Ilyas, whose has been inactive since March due to a graft case in which he is implicated.

The official transfer of duty will take place on Monday despite the absence of Darlis, who has claimed that he continues as authorized mayor until the court has announced its verdict.

Zainal will appoint Yusrizal Baharin, assistant to the provincial secretary for administrative affairs, to run the day- to-day duties of the municipality.

"There is no reason to delay the ceremony despite the absence of Darlis Ilyas. His absence will not affect the transfer of duty," assistant to the provincial secretary for development affairs Rusdi Lubis was quoted by Antara as saying.

The transfer of duty was arranged following the home affairs minister's decree dated March 10, which approves Darlis' dismissal.

Darlis claimed not to have received the ministerial decree, although Rusli said the provincial administration had forwarded it to him. -- Antara