People want their own governor

PADANG, West Sumatra: A group of people calling themselves the Committee of the West Sumatra Community demanded on Friday an independent gubernatorial election involving all people in the province.

A spokesman for the committee, Sukri Saad, said a replacement for Muchlis Ibrahim would be found in the election, which was set for Monday. Muchlis resigned on Tuesday following a disagreement with the central government.

"We will summon all members of the provincial legislature to elect a new governor that very day. We will forcibly fetch legislators who refuse to attend," Sukri said.

He said the committee did not need the blessings of Minister of Home Affairs Syarwan Hamid, who was blamed for Muchlis' resignation. Syarwan appointed Zainal Bakar as deputy to Muchlis, to the disappointment of the latter who had recommended somebody else. By law he is entitled to select his own deputy.

A dejected Muchlis tendered his resignation, saying he would never be able to cooperate with Bakar.

Meanwhile, activities in the provincial administration office appeared normal on Friday with Bakar starting his new job. (28)