Mega may appoint Matori's substitute

Muninggar Sri Saraswati, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta

President Megawati Soekarnoputri is expected to appoint either a minister or another state official immediately in place of Minister of Defense Matori Abdul Djalil, who is undergoing medical treatment in Singapore.

Coordinating Minister for Political and Security Affairs Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono said on Thursday that he and the State Secretary had discussed the issue with the President and proposed that she make a decision soon.

"The President is currently considering whether to appoint an ad interim minister or someone else to replace Pak Matori. This issue is fully within the President's prerogative," he said.

According to Susilo, the issue must be resolved soon, because the defense ministry must attend to many pressing tasks.

The President generally appoints an ad interim minister in place of an incumbent minister who has gone abroad in a state capacity.

"If the foreign minister or defense minister is absent, the coordinating minister for political and security affairs becomes the interim minister.

"However, the case of Defense Minister Matori is an exception, because he is ill and needs some time to recover," Susilo said.

This will be the first time Megawati replaces a minister.

Matori, who is being treated at Mt. Elizabeth Hospital in Singapore, was flown to the island-state from Gatot Subroto Army Hospital after his condition deteriorated.

According to a defense ministry statement, Matori suffered a stroke on Aug. 27, with additional complications caused by a lung disorder, diabetes and sinusitis.

Matori's duties are currently being handled by the ministry's director general.