Next vice president 'likely to be chosen from the cabinet'
Next vice president 'likely to be chosen from the cabinet'
JAKARTA (JP): The next vice president is likely to be chosen
from the present cabinet of President Soeharto, senior politician
Sudomo said yesterday.
Sudomo, a close confidante of Soeharto and currently chairman
of the Supreme Advisory Council, dismissed the chances of the
President's eldest daughter Siti Hardiyanti Rukmana for the
number two position when the post is determined next March.
"I don't think that's possible," he said after meeting with
the President at Bina Graha in his official capacity.
"I believe it will be someone from the cabinet. At least, the
candidate has a known record. And it's a tradition," he said,
recalling every vice president since 1973.
Sri Sultan Hamengkubuwono IX (vice president from 1973 to
1978) was economics minister, Adam Malik (1978-1983) was foreign
minister, Umar Wirahadikusumah (1983-1988) was chairman of the
Supreme Audit Agency, Sudharmono (1988-1993) was minister/state
secretary, and Try Sutrisno, vice president since 1993, was Armed
Forces chief.
The People's Consultative Assembly (MPR) is scheduled to meet
in March 1998 to elect the president and vice president. With
Soeharto certain to be elected for his seventh consecutive five
year term, speculations have focused on the number two position.
Constitutionally the MPR has a free hand in electing the vice
president. But traditionally the MPR has consulted the elected
president, in this case Soeharto, on the choice of vice
president, before formally making its nominations.
"I'm willing to put a wager that the candidate will be someone
from the current cabinet," Sudomo said. "As a minister, he has
already proven himself and is quite known to the public."
Among the front runners often cited for the job are State
Minister of Research and Technology B.J. Habibie, Minister of
Information Harmoko and Army Chief of Staff Gen. R. Hartono.
The name of Siti Hardiyanti Rukmana, a successful
businesswoman and senior Golkar politician, has also been
mentioned recently. Some also speculated on Try keeping the post
while others said Sudharmono could make a come back.
Sudomo said he was sure Soeharto would be reelected next
March.
"The key to the success of the current government is in its
leadership, in this case President Soeharto.
"I'm not trying to start a personality cult, but he has
qualities necessary for national development," Sudomo said.
These qualities include his vision, and, given his military
background, his ability to deal with crises. He is a good overall
manager, Sudomo said. (emb)