Payoff scam prompts mayor's resignation

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)