Susilo quits as top security minister

Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono has finally decided to quit as coordinating minister for political and security affairs. He sent President Megawati Soekarnoputri his letter of resignation on Thursday morning.

However, the President's response to Susilo's resignation from the cabinet is still unclear.

To most of us, Susilo's exit came as no major surprise. News on the row between Megawati and Susilo had spread over the past few days.

Realizing he had been sidelined from the cabinet, Susilo wrote the president a letter, seeking clarification of his duties and responsibilities as the top security minister. He also asked for time to meet with the President to discuss the matter.

Megawati did not respond to the letter until Thursday. In light of that, most people would accept the action Susilo ended up taking -- resigning from his post.

It is worth noting that ministers of the Megawati-Hamzah Haz government are members of the current coalition or Mutual-Self- Help (Gotong Royong) Cabinet. Although Megawati had the prerogative to chose any ministers she liked, she appointed her ministers based on this principal. This rainbow cabinet means ministers were chosen not only from among professionals but also from among political party leaders and members.

As such, it is likely that ministers will continue to emerge as contenders for the presidency and vice presidency in the future. -- Republika, Jakarta