Minister Yahya opts to stay in Cabinet

Minister Yahya opts to stay in Cabinet

JAKARTA (JP): Minister of National Education Yahya Muhaimin
hinted on Tuesday that he would stay in the cabinet as "there is
still a lot of work to do to reform the country's complex
education problems."

Yahya was commenting on an earlier warning made by the
executive board of the National Mandate Party (PAN) against him
and Minister of Manpower and Transmigration Al Hilal Hamdi to
quit the Cabinet or face possible expulsion from the party.

"I will continue working as usual. I have my reasons.. as lots
of the work here has yet to be completed such as the newly
established education commission and reform committee and other
schemes.

"And actually I have given this (reason) to the PAN executive
board. I'll resign if God wants me to," he told media at his
office on Tuesday.

The PAN chairman Amien Rais, who is also the Speaker of the
People's Consultative Assembly earlier said that the two
ministers had to resign "as a consequence of the party's decision
to withdraw support from President Abdurrahman Wahid's Cabinet".

However, Amien also said that if the two ministers refused to
leave their post, "let the people judge the two cadres'
performance".

Yahya said as of Tuesday there was no official notification
from PAN or Amien Rais about the issue.

The minister further explained that his position in the
cabinet is "unique".

"I am a member of PAN's Advisory board, but actually I am not
a politician.

"At the same time I am also the coordinator of the
Muhammadiyah's Education Supervisory Board which oversees the
Councils of Higher Education and Elementary Education, with over
4,400 schools, 140 universities and thousands of kindergartens,"
he said.

"So my expertise happened to suit the requirements of the job
as minister of education. My position in the Cabinet actually has
nothing to do with my role in PAN. I was promoted to the job both
by Amien Rais and Syafiie Ma'arif (chairman of the Muhammadiyah
Muslim organization)," he added.

Yahya said Syafiie called him earlier in the day asking
whether Amien had informed Yahya about the order.

"He (Syafiie) said he'll agree with whatever decision I make,"
he said.

The minister further said that he will "see how things go and
discuss the matter with related parties if necessary."

Minister Al Hilal Hamdi had previously made a similar comment
to Yahya's regarding PAN's demand.

"I still have lots of unfinished programs," Hilal said.

Asked whether he was offended by Amien Rais' strong remarks,
Yahya said "they are part of the dynamic relationship between me
and him."

"I was taught to make friends with goodness and have an open
heart for those who create hostility.

"But if we have to break or end the relationship, it should be
done in a proper way.. because God will always help those who do
good deeds," Yahya replied, citing a Koran verse. (edt)