Veterans reject Golkar candidate

UJUNGPANDANG, South Sulawesi: A group about 3,000 retired military members here lodged a protest with the Golkar Party on Thursday opposing one of the ruling party's legislative candidates.

The group of veterans accused Golkar of not respecting them by naming Lakamawiyaka a legislative candidate, a man they called "an unused dry leaf".

Group leader Andi Sose said the former servicemen had also issued a warning to Golkar to force it to drop its choice of Lakamawiyaka.

"If they go ahead with the nomination, we will encircle the town and occupy it like what we did in the past," Sose said.

He said Lakamawiyaka did not fit the bill for the legislature due to his arrogance and lack of respect for local independence fighters. (30)