Tanjungpinang, Riau Islands (ANTARA News) - Riau Islands Provincial Legislative Assembly (DPRD Kepri) has accepted a proposal and decided to appoint Nurdin Basirun as governor of the province after the death of governor HM Sani last month, an official stated.

"We are confident that Nurdin has the ability to govern well," DPRD Kepri chairman Jumaga Nadeak said here on Tuesday.

Nurdin Basirun served as Kepris acting governor ten days after the death of HM Sani.

The Sani-Nurdin pair won the Kepri provincial gubernatorial election in 2015.

"We have no idea about the inauguration schedule of the new governor because it will be decided by the central government," Jumaga pointed out.

HM Sani passed away in Jakarta on April 8, 2016 where he had underwent an intensive treatment at the Abdi Waluyo Menteng hospital.

Born in Karimun District of Sungai Ungar village on May 11, 1942, Sani is survived by wife Aisyah and three children --- Herry Andrianto, Henny Andriani and Riny Fitriani.

Sani was re-elected as Kepri Governor in 2015 and his term of office that began in 2015 was to last till 2020.(*)

Editor: Heru Purwanto
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