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(From Business Times (Malaysia))
KUALA LUMPUR, Wed. - A senior politician was arrested in Sumatra, Indonesia last Tuesday on wildlife protection charges by Bengkulu police.
Rabihil Kanel, leader of the Bengkulu Utara district legislature, was caught with the skin of a Sumatran Tiger. Rabihil is also head of Bengkulu's Golkar party - the second largest party in Indonesia's coalition government.
He was trying to sell it for Rp 5,000,000 (RM2,243) at a Bengkulu beach hotel.
Sumatran Tigers are totally protected animals under Indonesia's Conservation Act (No. 5) of 1990. Violations of this Act is punishable by imprisonment of up to five years and/or fines up to Rp 100,000,000 (RM 44,858).
The arrest is significant because it is the first ever case of a government official on wildlife protection charges relating to tigers.
Rabihil remains in police custody although parliamentary immunity for him has not been lifted.