Hero status sought for Adam Malik

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)