Politician lies about education

JAKARTA: The central executive board of the United Development Party is furious at one of its legislative candidates who was caught using a fake diploma to pass a government screening test.

"The candidate's action is deplorable. If he can't be honest with himself, how can he represent the people?" said Bachtiar Chamzah of the Moslem-oriented party's central executive board.

The allegedly dishonest candidate, identified only as ZA, 40, is being questioned for using a fake diploma from the Palembang- based University of Sriwijaya.

The Banyumas chapter of the National Elections Committee recently discovered ZA's action.

Bachtiar said ZA did not deserve a legislative post and that he had tarnished the party's image, Antara reported.

Bachtiar would not say if the central executive board would punish its allegedly dishonest politician. (pan)