Residents reject Padang mayor's sacking

PADANG, West Sumatra: Hundreds of Payakumbuh, West Java residents on Thursday rallied at the governor's office, locally known as " the House of Bagonjong", to protest against the home minister's decision to suspend their mayor, Darlis Ilyas.

Public figures, representatives from various local institutions and NGOs handed over a petition to the governor stating their objection to the suspension of the mayor through the Ministerial Decree No. 131.23-102 dated March, 26, 2002.

The petition which was also sent to 20 addresses including the president and other high ranking officials, stated that the city of Payakumbuh had made tremendous progress under the mayor's management.

They charged that the measure taken by the Minister of Home affairs to suspend him was a hasty act which deeply hurt the feelings of the locals.

The governor said he would convey the people's concerns to the central government, adding that he had to respect the minister's decision as well.

The Legislative Council accused Darlis of having misused billions of rupiah of public funds. The accusation which resulted in a prolonged conflict ended up with the issuance of the termination letter. --Antara