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JAKARTA: Communications minister Agum Gumelar said on Wednesday that Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono and Jusuf Kalla had withdrawn from the Cabinet just to pursue their political ambitions.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