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