Governor to take mayor's job

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