'Traitors will be punished'

'Traitors will be punished'

BANJARMASIN, South Kalimantan: South Kalimantan Legislative
Speaker Mansyah Add warned local councillors on Monday that
anyone who betrayed their agreement to topple Governor Sjachriel
Dachram would receive severe punishment.

"I have the names and factions of those who may be planning to
break our agreement. I emphasize once again that it's impossible
for the Legislature to withdraw the decree because 39 councillors
have given their approval by signing it," he told reporters
without giving any details on the sanctions.

The Legislature discharged Sjachriel and his deputy on Aug. 21
through Decree No.16/2002 on the grounds that the two were
involved in several corruption cases. The ministry of home
affairs, however, still recognizes Sjachriel as the legitimate
governor.

The governor's brother-in-law, Syamsuri Darham, has been
negotiating with some councillors to revoke the decree. Sjachriel
himself is currently on a minor haj pilgrimage (umroh) in Mecca,
Saudi Arabia. --JP