President urged to install N. Maluku governor

JAKARTA (JP): The Golkar Party faction at the House of Representatives (DPR) has urged President Megawati Soekarnoputri to issue a decree for the installation of North Maluku's governor-elect, Abdul Gafur.

"We see no reason to further postpone the installation of the governor- and vice governor-elect. What is more, the Supreme Court has issued a legal opinion that the election process was valid," Golkar faction chairman Marzuki Achmad said.

The North Maluku provincial legislative council elected on July 5 Abdul Gafur and Yamin Tawari as governor and vice governor respectively.

However, in the wake of criticism that the gubernatorial election smacked of money politics, the installation of Gafur and Tawari -- both Golkar members -- was postponed.

Marzuki said House Speaker Akbar Tandjung and People's Consultative Assembly (MPR) Speaker Amien Rais had endorsed the election results.

"By law, the results of the election can no longer be questioned," said Marzuki, who was accompanied by Golkar faction secretary Daryatmo Mardiyanto and deputy secretary Yahya Zaini.

He said the Golkar faction had asked President Megawati to soon issue a decree as a legal basis for the installation of Gafur and Tawari.

Yahya said that further delay in the installation could cause uneasiness among the people.

"It is feared that further delay in the installation will give rise to a prolonged political conflict, which would invite new conflict among the people, legal uncertainty and an unconducive climate for law enforcement," he said.--Antara