PAN legislator resists ousting

PAN legislator resists ousting

MATARAM, West Nusa Tenggara: House of Representatives'
legislator Hatta Taliwang of the National Mandate Party (PAN) is
continuing to resist party demands he step aside.

Hatta said on Wednesday the move was against the law and that
his exit from the House would meet resistance from his
constituents on Sumbawa island. Hatta is the only Sumbawa
representative in the House.

"Despite pressure from PAN chairman Amien Rais to replace me
in his mid-term reshuffle, I will maintain my post because the
procedure violates the law," Hatta said here.

In his letter sent to President Megawati Soekarnoputri in
July, Amien said he was seeking a replacement for Hatta as he had
tendered his resignation. The president's approval is needed to
replace legislative members.

Hatta is required to step down as part of a power-sharing
agreement reached by political parties after the 1999 elections.

Hatta, who admitted he had signed his resignation on March 16,
this year, said he did so under pressure.

His lawyer has threatened to file a lawsuit against Amien if
he proceeds with the replacement move. -- Antara