People want their own governor

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)