PAN ministers to remain in cabinet<\/p>\n
JAKARTA (JP): Two Cabinet ministers who are members of the
\nNational Mandate Party (PAN) maintained their earlier stance that
\nthey would remain in the Cabinet.<\/p>\n
Minister of National Education Yahya Muhaimin and
\nMinister of Manpower and Transmigration Al Hilal Hamdi
\nmet with PAN chairman Amien Rais at the latter's residence on Jl.
\nWidya Chandra in South Jakarta on Wednesday evening.<\/p>\n
The two were reportedly summoned to discuss an earlier order
\nby the party that they resign from the Cabinet.<\/p>\n
\"I cannot say anything right now. Just wait until tomorrow,\"
\nYahya said after the meeting.<\/p>\n
The two ministers reportedly were given \"several days to make
\nup their minds\".<\/p>\n
Both Yahya and Hilal indicated previously their desire to
\nremain in the Cabinet, following a warning from the PAN executive
\nboard that they either quit the Cabinet or face possible
\nexpulsion from the party.<\/p>\n
\"I need time to think. I have explained my position and
\nreasons (to PAN),\" Yahya said.<\/p>\n
Hilal, however, said he would remain in the Cabinet unless
\nthere were \"extraordinary circumstances\".<\/p>\n
Amien Rais, who is also the speaker of the People's
\nConsultative Assembly, said earlier the two ministers had to
\nresign \"as a consequence of the party's decision to withdraw its
\nsupport for President Abdurrahman Wahid's Cabinet\".<\/p>\n
Amien also said if the two ministers refused to resign their
\nministerial posts \"let the people judge the two cadres'
\nperformance\".<\/p>\n
When asked on Tuesday if he was offended by Amien's remarks,
\nYahya said: \"They are part of the dynamic relationship between me
\nand him.\"<\/p>\n
\"I was taught to make friends with goodness and have an open
\nheart for those who create hostility.<\/p>\n
\"But if we have to break or end the relationship, it should be
\ndone properly ... because God will always help those who do good
\ndeeds,\" Yahya replied, citing a verse from the Koran. (edt)<\/p>",
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