"It is the president`s prerogative to reshuffle the cabinet and to evaluate the government coalition. So, let`s us just follow what was said by Pak (Mr) Sudi Silalahi (minister/state secretary). The president`s directive is like that. He does not want to be over hasty. Taking a decision regarding matters of state and administration should not be taken in a hurry, but based on careful considerations." the chief security minister said here on Thursday.
On Wednesday, Minister/State Secretary Sudi Silalahi said that the president was now reviewing the ethics and effectiveness of the government coalition, yet the review was not directly connected with the coalition.
Sudi said that the president had never officially spoken about an imminent cabinet reshuffle. Never had he mentioned the names of ministers to be affected by a reshuffle, including the names of those who would take over their seats.
In spite of that, Sudi said a cabinet reshuffle could just be carried out whenever it was needed.
On the occasion, Djoko denied that the statement of the president regarding evaluation of the coalition was only a bluff.
"If the president`s speeches are followed it would be found that the president has never explicitly mentioned reshuffle," he said.
He said that we should learn what the president said that the format of the coalition should be reviewed.
Djoko said that if the president`s statement was then construed by analysts and non-governmental organizations with their respective interpretations it was their rights to do so but the president had never said there would be a reshuffle.
He said that up to now, there was still a chance for the Second United Indonesia cabinet to go on on a solid basis. (*)
Editor: Aditia Maruli Radja
Copyright © ANTARA 2011
