PAN ministers to remain in cabinet

PAN ministers to remain in cabinet

JAKARTA (JP): Two Cabinet ministers who are members of the
National Mandate Party (PAN) maintained their earlier stance that
they would remain in the Cabinet.

Minister of National Education Yahya Muhaimin and
Minister of Manpower and Transmigration Al Hilal Hamdi
met with PAN chairman Amien Rais at the latter's residence on Jl.
Widya Chandra in South Jakarta on Wednesday evening.

The two were reportedly summoned to discuss an earlier order
by the party that they resign from the Cabinet.

"I cannot say anything right now. Just wait until tomorrow,"
Yahya said after the meeting.

The two ministers reportedly were given "several days to make
up their minds".

Both Yahya and Hilal indicated previously their desire to
remain in the Cabinet, following a warning from the PAN executive
board that they either quit the Cabinet or face possible
expulsion from the party.

"I need time to think. I have explained my position and
reasons (to PAN)," Yahya said.

Hilal, however, said he would remain in the Cabinet unless
there were "extraordinary circumstances".

Amien Rais, who is also the speaker of the People's
Consultative Assembly, said earlier the two ministers had to
resign "as a consequence of the party's decision to withdraw its
support for President Abdurrahman Wahid's Cabinet".

Amien also said if the two ministers refused to resign their
ministerial posts "let the people judge the two cadres'
performance".

When asked on Tuesday if he was offended by Amien's 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 properly ... because God will always help those who do good
deeds," Yahya replied, citing a verse from the Koran. (edt)