Payoff scam prompts mayor's resignation

PADANG, West Sumatra: Padang mayor Zuiyen Rais finally resigned following his alleged involvement in a payoff scandal, deputy speaker of the provincial legislature Muhidi said on Friday.

According to Muhidi, a copy of Zuiyen's letter of resignation was received by the legislative council on Thursday.

"The letter was addressed to the President. The legislative council will hold a meeting to respond to the letter," said Muhidi.

"We are waiting for the President's reply, but we have agreed to send the letter to the Minister of Home Affairs and Regional Autonomy, through the West Sumatra governor, asking that a response be made soon."

Sources at the Gubernatorial Office said that a copy of the letter, dated Jan. 3, 2001, was sent to the governor after Zuiyen met with governor Zainal Bakar on Thursday.

Reports said that Zuiyen had been involved in a pay-off scandal totaling Rp 1.2 billion. He allegedly used money from the local (provincial) budget "to buy" votes when competing for the mayoralty post for the second time in 1998.

The money was reportedly given to councilors who agreed to vote for him. He won the election, but strong criticism has been launched by the people.

Many have asked Zuiyen to step down to make legal proceedings against him smoother. (28/sur)