Hero status sought for Adam Malik

MEDAN, North Sumatra: The people and provincial government of North Sumatra will sponsor a motion to designate former vice president Adam Malik to the rank of national hero.

The provincial government's assistant secretary for social affairs said a team had already been formed to campaign for the proposal, which must be made to the Ministry of Social Affairs.

Among conditions for receiving the status is that the proposed individual's home area must be a primary sponsor.

Adam Malik was born in Pematang Siantar, North Sumatra, on July 22, 1917. He is considered one of the country's most esteemed diplomats and held the post of foreign minister from 1966 to 1978.

He was selected as the country's third vice president in 1978. He died in 1984.

North Sumatra Governor Raja Inal Siregar has announced his full support for the proposal. A seminar beginning Monday will formally launch the campaign.

Three North Sumatrans -- Raja Sisingamangaraja XII, T. Amir Hamzah and F. Lumban Tobing -- have received national hero status. (21)