"Let us build a good political tradition in which former leaders give support and encouragement as well as criticisms (to their successor) so that we who now lead can carry out our job better," he said at the first anniversary of the death of Ainun Habibie, the wife of former president BJ Habibie here on Monday evening.
President Yudhoyono made the statement in response to former president BJ Habibie`s habit of giving inputs consistently to him since 2004 and creating a positive atmosphere for him to run the government.
"If we look at the whole process there must be no pessimism. Our country is still in the making and so it needs patience to finish it," he said.
To continue the positive political tradition he believed BJ Habibie would together with him give support and inputs to the next president from whatever group he may come from.
On the occasion President Yudhoyono offered his apology because his wife, Mrs Ani Yudhoyono, could not come at the anniversary. "She wished to come but she had a flu. Initially she insisted on coming but it seemed she was not strong enough for it. However she conveyed her regard," he said.
President Yudhoyono praised Ainun Habibie as a special figure. "What she did gave spirit, energy and determination to Pak (Mr Habibie) during the hard times because any mistake a president makes would have a big impact," he said.
President Yudhoyono said "Pak Habibie and Ibu (Mrs) Ainun strengthened each other during good and bad times. That is what makes one strong."
Cabinet ministers and national figures were seen attending the function. (*)
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Editor: Jafar M Sidik
Copyright © ANTARA 2011
