Toothache delays governor choice

Toothache delays governor choice

JAKARTA (JP): The selection of East Kalimantan's gubernatorial
candidates was delayed Wednesday because the speaker of the
provincial legislative council, Harsono, had a toothache, a media
report said yesterday.

The reason for the postponement of the top five-yearly
political event irked both the public and the council
politicians, who will present the candidates to the minister of
home affairs for endorsement.

Some questioned why the meeting had to be put off as laws
state that in situations when the council chief is absent he or
she may be represented by a deputy.

Political observer Noorsyamsu Agang and law expert Fahrie
Doemas from Mulawarman University in Samarinda said the delay
would undermine the people's trust in the legislative council.

"How can a political event as important as the selection of
the gubernatorial candidates be delayed by a toothache?"
Noorsyamsu said, as reported by Antara.

Jacob Tulak, a councilor from the Armed Forces faction, said
he was very disappointed by the postponement which would force
the council to reschedule the meeting. (pan)