I'm serious with plan to quit: Amien

I'm serious with plan to quit: Amien

JAKARTA: People's Consultative Assembly (MPR) Speaker Amien
Rais said on Wednesday that he was serious about his plan to
resign as chairman of the National Mandate Party (PAN), saying
that a public official could not boost his or her productivity if
he or she held several positions.

"I am serious about my plan (to quit as party chairman),"
Amien told reporters on Wednesday, admitting that the move would
spark controversy among party members.

Not only the President, Vice President and ministers, but also
the respective heads of the House of Representatives (DPR) and
the MPR should concentrate on one position, Amien said.

He said he would discuss his plan to quit with party leaders
next week.

Public pressure has mounted for party leaders holding public
office to give up their posts in respective parties to avoid a
conflict of interest.

Party leaders that hold double positions include President
Megawati Soekarnoputri, who is also chairwoman of the Indonesian
Democratic Party of Struggle; Vice President Hamzah Haz, also
chairman of the Muslim-based United Development Party; justice
and human rights minister Yusril Ihza Mahendra, also chairman of
the Crescent Star Party; MPR Speaker Amien Rais, who is also
chairman of PAN; and DPR Speaker Akbar Tandjung, who is also
Golkar chairman. -- Antara