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)