Politician too drunk to talk

BANDAR LAMPUNG, Lampung: The Moslem-oriented United Development Party (PPP) accused security officers yesterday of kidnapping and serving alcohol to a senior party activist to stop him addressing a rally Sunday.

PPP West Lampung chapter chairman, Saleh, turned up too late and too drunk to address the party's first rally in the province, said the chapter's chief, Sadeki Yakub.

Under Islamic law, alcohol is haram (prohibited).

Sadeki said Saleh was picked up at about 5 a.m. by Chief Sergeant Alkat.

"Saleh appeared at the rally at about 10 a.m. drunk and helpless," Sadeki was quoted by Antara as saying.

He said he could not believe that cheating could happen in Indonesia. He plans to complain to the local election supervision committee. (pan)