"In connection with the news that Muhammadiyah is ready to fill six seats in the cabinet, the Muhammadiyah's Executive Board expressed this as a personal opinion," Mu'ti remarked when contacted from Jakarta on Saturday.
Mu'ti noted that the news pertaining to the minister's preference for seats did not echo the outlook and views of Muhammadiyah.
Mu'ti's comments were in reference to the news published on https://m.antaranews.com/berita/977740/kader-muhammadiyah-bisa-isi-enam-posisi-menteri.
Regarding cabinet positions, Mu'ti remarked that Muhammadiyah had left the matter entirely on President Joko Widodo, as Muhammadiyah has no preference in certain ministries.
"In drafting the cabinet, Muhammadiyah believes that President Widodo will always be prompt in upholding the law and prioritizing competence, meritocracy, and loyalty to the nation and state," he emphasized.
He affirmed that if the president were to accommodate supporting parties in the ranks of the cabinet, all would be in accordance with the criteria above.
Mu'ti opined that it is only natural for several aspirations relating to the cabinet's composition being harbored in the community.
However, he noted that the decision on the cabinet's composition lay entirely with the president, as head of state and head of government.
"The minister is not a representation of mass organizations or political parties, but a presidential aide, who must remain loyal to the nation and state and not a particular party or group," he added.
Translator: Anom/Eliswan Azly
Editor: Bambang Purwanto
Copyright © ANTARA 2019
