Kampar regent making comeback

Kampar regent making comeback

PEKANBARU, Riau: A senior official in the Riau provincial
administration said on Wednesday Minister of Home Affairs
Mohammad Ma'ruf had approved ousted Kampar regent Jefri Noer
resuming office beginning on Thursday.

"The minister signed the order and it will take effect on
Thursday," said the official, who asked not to be identified.

Jefri Noer was dismissed by the Kampar Regency Council last
year after it passed a motion of no confidence.

The speaker of the council, Masnur, said he had heard nothing
about Jefri returning to office and promised to look into the
matter.

The ousted regent's troubles began last year after he ordered
a respected educator out of a meeting after the man questioned
him about the budget allocation for education in the regency.

Seen as arrogant, Jefri was soon facing massive protests
calling for his dismissal. The protests shut down much of the
regency and attracted nationwide attention. -- JP