Legislative candidates told to donate

Legislative candidates told to donate

JAKARTA: The National Mandate Party (PAN) has admitted to
requiring each of its legislative candidates to "donate" Rp 3
million (US$353) for the party's election campaign.

The party's secretary-general, Hatta Radjasa, said on
Wednesday the money would be used to finance its campaign for the
2004 elections. The money must be paid during registration.

"Legislative candidates have to fulfill their own needs
because the party lacks funds. They have to support us by paying
a registration fee," Hatta said.

He denied the party was encouraging money politics by charging
legislative candidates a registration fee.

Hatta, who is also the state minister for research and
technology, said he would run for a legislative seat representing
Bandung mayoralty.

Before taking up his ministerial post, Hatta was a legislator
in the House of Representatives. -- Antara