REPORTS OF ACEH GOVERNOR SUFFERING STROKE DENIED

Banda Aceh, Aug 7 (ANTARA) - Nanggroe Aceh Darussalam (NAD) provincial administration spokesman Hamid Zein has denied reports that Governor Irwandi Yusuf was flown to Singapore for medical treatment after suffering a stroke.

"The news that Governor Irwandi Yusuf suffered a stroke is not true. The governor is hale and healthy. He leaves for Singapore today (Thursday) for a routine checkup," Hamid Zein told newsmen here on Thursday.

He made the statement to deny reports saying that the governor had had a stroke and was flown to Singapore for medical treatment.

"Before leaving for Singapore this morning, Governor Irwandi Yusuf chaired a meeting but later left it to Vice Governor Muhammad Nazar," Hamid Zein said.

He added that the governor was in good shape and there was nothing wrong with his health.

"The governor even drove his private car from Banda Aceh to Sultan Iskandar Muda Airport in Blang Bintang," Zein said.

Hamid called on the local media to avoid publishing stories which were not from the right and reliable sources.

"Try to get information from competent and reliable sources so as not to confuse the public," Hamid said.