Mega may appoint Matori's substitute<\/p>\n
Muninggar Sri Saraswati, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta<\/p>\n
President Megawati Soekarnoputri is expected to appoint either a
\nminister or another state official immediately in place of
\nMinister of Defense Matori Abdul Djalil, who is undergoing
\nmedical treatment in Singapore.<\/p>\n
Coordinating Minister for Political and Security Affairs
\nSusilo Bambang Yudhoyono said on Thursday that he and the State
\nSecretary had discussed the issue with the President and proposed
\nthat she make a decision soon.<\/p>\n
\"The President is currently considering whether to appoint an
\nad interim minister or someone else to replace Pak Matori. This
\nissue is fully within the President's prerogative,\" he said.<\/p>\n
According to Susilo, the issue must be resolved soon, because
\nthe defense ministry must attend to many pressing tasks.<\/p>\n
The President generally appoints an ad interim minister in
\nplace of an incumbent minister who has gone abroad in a state
\ncapacity.<\/p>\n
\"If the foreign minister or defense minister is absent, the
\ncoordinating minister for political and security affairs becomes
\nthe interim minister.<\/p>\n
\"However, the case of Defense Minister Matori is an exception,
\nbecause he is ill and needs some time to recover,\" Susilo said.<\/p>\n
This will be the first time Megawati replaces a minister.<\/p>\n
Matori, who is being treated at Mt. Elizabeth Hospital in
\nSingapore, was flown to the island-state from Gatot Subroto Army
\nHospital after his condition deteriorated.<\/p>\n
According to a defense ministry statement, Matori suffered a
\nstroke on Aug. 27, with additional complications caused by a lung
\ndisorder, diabetes and sinusitis.<\/p>\n
Matori's duties are currently being handled by the ministry's
\ndirector general.<\/p>",
"url": "https:\/\/jawawa.id\/newsitem\/mega-may-appoint-matoris-substitute-1447893297",
"image": ""
},
"sponsor": "Okusi Associates",
"sponsor_url": "https:\/\/okusiassociates.com"
}