Despite being detained, Zahir’s candidacy for the Botubara regional elections did not fail.

Medan, Long Live – Although he was arrested and detained by the North Sumatra Regional Police, the North Sumatra General Election Commission (KPU) stated that Zahir’s status as the regent of Bakalon of Batubara has not been lost. Because he is officially registered with KPU Batubara.

“Yes, regarding the problems in Batubara, there is a former regent, Mr. Zaheer, who was later declared a suspect by the regional police, and his current status is that of a prisoner,” Raja Damanik, a member of the KPU North Sumatra, told reporters at the KPU North Sumatra office, Thursday, September 5, 2024 afternoon.

Raja explained that according to Regulation No. 8 of 2024 of the KPU or PKP, in relation to the nominations of governor and vice governor, regent and vice regent, as well as mayor and deputy mayor, the candidacy status will not end until the permanent mandate of the court comes into legal force.

“Therefore, in terms of his candidacy for provincial president, this has nothing to do with it and does not rule him out as a possible candidate,” Raja said.

But Raja said if there is a court decision or agreement, only then can the political party supporting and promoting it propose the change.

“Because according to the legal criteria set out in the provisions of PKP 8 2024 on appointment, he can only be replaced when the person concerned is there. There is already a court order that has permanent legal effects,” Raja said.

“Therefore, if it is limited to the status of suspect, it does not disqualify the interested party as a candidate for regent in Batubara,” the Raja added.

Paul Combs, former public relations officer for the North Sumatra Police. Hadi Vahudi confirmed that Zaheer was arrested at his home in Batubara Regency, North Sumatra, on the morning of Tuesday, September 3, 2024.

“Yes, this morning,” said Police Commissioner Hadi Vahudi, confirmed by VIVA via mobile phone on Tuesday afternoon.

In response to the question of whether Zaheer was arrested or not, Hadi said he does not deny it. However, we are waiting for further confirmation from North Sumatra police investigators.

“This is a possibility,” three Yasuman police officers said.

Zahir has been identified as part of the Police Wanted List (DPO) since 29 July 2024. He is said to have surrendered on 12 August 2024. He then requested suspension of detention.

Meanwhile, after investigating the case, on June 29, 2024, Zaheer was named a suspect. The investigation then continued.

Instead, four days ago, Zaheer as Bakalon for Batubara Regency together with his deputy Aslam Rayuda was registered in KPU Batubara Regency on Wednesday, August 28, 2024. In the 2024 Batubara Regional Election, Zaheer was supported by PDI Perjuangan, Hanura Party and Ummat Party.

Zahir was previously Regent of Batubara from 2018-2023. He returned for the second term.

In addition to Zaheer, North Sumatra police identified Faisal as the younger brother of former regent Batubara. Then, the head of the Batubara Regional Education Service (Kadisdik), A.H.

In addition, the secretary of the education department of the Batubara district DT, the head of the personnel development department of the Department of Education of the Batubara region RZ

The five suspects and their cases were transferred from the North Sumatra Regional Police to the North Sumatra High Prosecution Office (Kejati) on Tuesday, July 23, 2024.

For your information, the amount of money received in the PPPK Batubara Regency election reached IDR 2,000,250,000 and this money was deposited into another public account (RPL) through the Batubara Prosecutor’s Office.

Five suspects are charged pursuant to Article 12 letter E or Article 11 of Act No. 31 of 1999 as amended by Act No. 20 of 2021 on the introduction of changes and additions to Act No. 31 of 1999 together with Clause 1 Clause 1 of Article 55 of the Criminal Code were made.