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