Sampang regent elect resigns

Sampang regent elect resigns

SURABAYA (JP): Sampang regent elect Fadhilah Budiono has
reportedly resigned.

East Java Governor Imam Utomo told reporters, when forming a
special team to probe the reason for Fadhilah's resignation, on
Saturday that Fadhilah gave up the post of his own volition.

"We do not know enough about the resignation. We need to know
the details," Imam said.

Fadhilah, a senior police commissioner, and Said Hidayat, with
the support of the 12-member United Development Party (PPP)
faction in the regency legislature, secured 23 of the 45 votes in
the election for regent in July.

Fadhilah and Said defeated Sanusi Djamaluidin, also a senior
police commissioner, and Fahrurrozi.

Fadhilah and Said Hidayat was scheduled be sworn in as the new
regent and deputy regent in August 2000, however, the National
Awakening Party (PKB) faction with 18 members in the legislative
council rejected Fadhilah's victory, accusing him of
embezzlement.

As a result of violent protests from both Fadhilah's
supporters and opponents, President Abdurrahman Wahid suspended
Fadhilah's inauguration in September of last year.

Imam said on Saturday the resignation of Fadhilah would be the
beginning of the end of the Sampang regency dispute. "At least
Fadhilah has compromised. Now we will find the best way to settle
the problem."

Fadhilah could not be contacted for confirmation. (nur/sur)