Pekanbaru, Riau (ANTARA News) - The Indonesia Corruption Watch (ICW) criticized the government for being too slow in taking action against corruption tainted Governor of Riau .

The Riau province administration could not function properly in the past several months as Governor Rusli Zainal, already named corruption suspect and detained by the Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) remains active as head of the provincial administration, ICW activist Tama S Langkun said.

Rusli still is officially active running the administration from his cell in the detention house, Tama said here on Friday.

His subordinates have to come to Jakarta to report to Rusli in his cell and carry document needed to be signed by the governor, he added.

Rusli`s status as a suspect in corruption should be immediately followed with his dismissal by the government, he said.

Rusli is a suspect in alleged corruption of forest exploitation license in the regency of Pelalawan and in graft case in the construction of sport projects of the National Sport Week event held here last year.

He was already named a suspect by KPK in February 2013 and was arrested later and detained in Jakarta.

Observers have urged the government to replace Rusli that the provincial administration could function normally under new acting governor.

The public confidence should be restored in the provincial administration by naming new leader not tainted with corruption, they said.

Tama said Rusli Zainal could be replaced without waiting until he received his verdict and sent to jail by the court.

"No corruption suspect handled by KPK has ever been given non-guilty verdict by the court," he said, adding, "it is only a matter of time before Rusli goes to jail."

In addition a state administrator could be dismissed on political reason , he said, citing the case of Aceng Fikri, a regent of Garut , dismissed for allegedly offending ethical code marrying under age girl.

(H-ASG/O001)

Editor: Jafar M Sidik
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