Amien eyeing Susilo as running mate

SURABAYA: Presidential candidate Amien Rais said on Saturday he would take into consideration a suggestion that he pick Coordinating Minister for Political and Security Affairs Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono as his running mate in the presidential election.

Amien was commenting on the results of a poll of mobile phone users conducted by a television channel, which identified the Amien-Susilo combination as the participants' preferred lineup.

On the sidelines of a visit to East Java, Amien, who is the speaker of the People's Consultative Assembly (MPR), hailed the results of the poll.

"We could be an ideal duo to lead the country as a pair who have a good image in society," he said.

According to Amien, Susilo is a clever, disciplined and devoted military officer whom Amien has known since he was stationed in Yogyakarta.

However, he said he would give his personal view on the matter during an executive meeting of the National Mandate Party (PAN), which he chairs. -- JP