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Dede Yusuf slammed over billboard
Fri, 10/10/2008 10:44 AM | The Archipelago
BANDUNG, W. Java: Legislative council members have criticized the provinces newly elected deputy governor, Dede Yusuf, for appearing in an Idul Fitri greeting billboard sponsored by a cigarette company.
The council has questioned Dede's support of the provincial administration's efforts to combat smoking.
"This action contradicts the efforts of the new governor, Ahmad Heryawan, who has issued an order prohibiting civil servants from smoking at their places of work," council member Rahadi Zakaria said Thursday.
He is concerned that people would interpret Dede's appearance on the billboard as an endorsement of smoking.
Dede currently leads several health related non profit organizations, such as the West Java Narcotics Body and AIDS Control.
Council member Diah Nurwitasari censured Dede, who is a former action film actor, for having no sensitivity toward the issue.
Dede clarified his actions by saying the advertisement was made last year while he was still working as an actor, before his election as deputy governor.
He could not explain, however, his photo in the advertisement, in which he wears the deputy governor's uniform.
"I did not receive any money from this advertisement and I agreed to make this ad before I was elected as deputy governor," said Dede, adding he was contractually bound. -- JP
