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)