Sutiyoso denies maneuvering
Sutiyoso denies maneuvering
JAKARTA (JP): Governor Sutiyoso denied on Friday allegations
he had launched a "political movement" to secure his position
prior to the General Assembly of the City Council in June.
Rumors were rife that the governor sent his staff to approach
and offer money to councillors. The move reportedly was aimed at
ensuring councillors to remain cooperative when Sutiyoso gave his
accountability speech before the legislative body on June 3.
"Why would I do such a thing? It would only show that I lack
confidence. I don't think it's necessary," he told journalists at
City Hall.
"The accountability speech is an event where city councillors
will evaluate my performance. They can also offer corrections or
suggestions for my programs," he added.
Sutiyoso said the General Assembly was just like a student
evaluation. "If it turns out that I receive a bad grade in math,
for example, councillors will tell me to study more in math. Just
like that," he said.
"I've also asked all heads of city agencies to provide
accurate information for my accountability speech, so I can
deliver a true account of my performance to the councillors," he
said, adding that he was ultimately responsible for the
performance of the agencies.
He also asked councillors to evaluate his performance fairly
without being swayed by vested interests. "Let's get it plain and
simple. Tell me what I am poor at and how to improve it. Please
be objective in evaluating my performance."
"Councillors' negative attitude that I have failed in all of
my duties are not useful in developing our city," he added.
The governor, whose term runs until 2002, said the
accountability speech should not be considered a forum to topple
him from office.
He, however, is facing a number of challenges which could
cause him difficulties. He is under pressure over his alleged
involvement in the July 27, 1996, takeover of the Indonesian
Democratic Party (PDI) headquarters on Jl. Diponegoro in Central
Jakarta from loyalists of PDI chairwoman Megawati Soekarnoputri.
Megawati is currently the Vice President.
Other problems include a number of corruption cases allegedly
involving his officials, and the troubled water management
agreement between city-owned tap water company PAM Jaya and its
two foreign partners. (nvn)
JAKARTA (JP): Governor Sutiyoso denied on Friday allegations
he had launched a "political movement" to secure his position
prior to the General Assembly of the City Council in June.
Rumors were rife that the governor sent his staff to approach
and offer money to councillors. The move reportedly was aimed at
ensuring councillors to remain cooperative when Sutiyoso gave his
accountability speech before the legislative body on June 3.
"Why would I do such a thing? It would only show that I lack
confidence. I don't think it's necessary," he told journalists at
City Hall.
"The accountability speech is an event where city councillors
will evaluate my performance. They can also offer corrections or
suggestions for my programs," he added.
Sutiyoso said the General Assembly was just like a student
evaluation. "If it turns out that I receive a bad grade in math,
for example, councillors will tell me to study more in math. Just
like that," he said.
"I've also asked all heads of city agencies to provide
accurate information for my accountability speech, so I can
deliver a true account of my performance to the councillors," he
said, adding that he was ultimately responsible for the
performance of the agencies.
He also asked councillors to evaluate his performance fairly
without being swayed by vested interests. "Let's get it plain and
simple. Tell me what I am poor at and how to improve it. Please
be objective in evaluating my performance."
"Councillors' negative attitude that I have failed in all of
my duties are not useful in developing our city," he added.
The governor, whose term runs until 2002, said the
accountability speech should not be considered a forum to topple
him from office.
He, however, is facing a number of challenges which could
cause him difficulties. He is under pressure over his alleged
involvement in the July 27, 1996, takeover of the Indonesian
Democratic Party (PDI) headquarters on Jl. Diponegoro in Central
Jakarta from loyalists of PDI chairwoman Megawati Soekarnoputri.
Megawati is currently the Vice President.
Other problems include a number of corruption cases allegedly
involving his officials, and the troubled water management
agreement between city-owned tap water company PAM Jaya and its
two foreign partners. (nvn)