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