Hundreds protest Bintang's firing

Hundreds protest Bintang's firing

SURAKARTA, Central Java: Hundreds of supporters of the United
Development Party (PPP) demonstrated their disgust Thursday of
the planned dismissal of outspoken legislator Sri Bintang
Pamungkas.

They demanded that PPP chief Ismail Hasan Metareum cancel the
plan because Bintang was an invaluable asset for the party as he
was among few legislators who had the courage to voice people's
concerns.

Led by local legislator Taufik, the demonstrators, who were
mostly youngsters, unfurled banners and chanted slogans in front
of the headquarters of the local chapter of PPP.

"The firing damages PPP's future," "Don't muzzle outspoken
legislators," "The recalling is disgusting", read several of the
posters.

In Semaramg, vice chairman of the party's provincial chapter
Djuhad Mahdja said that he "could understand" why the youngsters
were frustrated, mentioning that the demonstration could spread
to other areas. (har)