Susilo, Kalla power hungry: Agum

Susilo, Kalla power hungry: Agum

JAKARTA: Communications minister Agum Gumelar said on
Wednesday that Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono and Jusuf Kalla had
withdrawn from the Cabinet just to pursue their political
ambitions.

Susilo, who was formerly coordinating minister for political
and security affairs, resigned from the Cabinet on March 9, while
Jusuf, former coordinating minister for people's welfare,
tendered his resignation on Monday.

They have teamed up to run for president and vice president in
the July 5 election.

"Yes, we regret the resignation of our colleagues Susilo and
Jusuf from the Cabinet to seek power," Agum was quoted by Antara
as saying on Wednesday.

Agum claimed that he would not leave his Cabinet post even if
a political party offered him the chance to run for the vice
presidential seat because being a minister was "part of my
biggest commitment to the nation and the state".

"As a soldier, I will never abandon my duty. A soldier must be
loyal and dedicate himself to the state," said Agum, who has been
tipped as the running mate of Amien Rais, chairman of the
National Mandate Party (PAN).

Susilo and Jusuf are considered by many as the strongest pair
contesting the July 5 election. -- Antara