Official in hot water over protest

Official in hot water over protest

AMBON, Maluku: Maluku Governor M. Saleh Latuconsina has said
he would discipline a provincial official who allegedly helped
organize a protest march on the Tual council on Wednesday.

Latuconsina said he would not tolerate officials engaging in
such rallies, saying they could disrupt security and order.

The official was only identified with the initials PR.

"I received a report from the Southeast Maluku regent that PR
led a crowd of demonstrators to the local council.

"If the investigation finds that he was involved, then I will
take stern action," the governor said here Saturday.

He did not say what kind of disciplinary action would be
imposed, saying he would wait for the formal results of the
investigation.

"I do not want employees with that kind of mentality. Civil
servants must be obedient and disciplined in carrying out their
duties. If they engage in acts which are disruptive, then stern
action will be taken," Latuconsina warned.

The demonstration was held to demand the dismissal of several
officials allegedly involved in corrupt practices.

According to Antara, Southeast Maluku regent Husein Rahayaan
said in his report to the governor that PR organized and lead the
protest.

Rahayaan said PR was a former employee at the regency public
affairs office and was transferred to the provincial
administration office for disciplinary reasons.