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)