Speaking before the party`s cadres and executive board members at his Puri Cikeas private residence on Sunday night, Yudhoyono noted that the issue had been politicized in such a way that it deviated from its essence.
He said there had been growing ideas on the part of a few quarters that they would be opposed to whatever the government would do without looking at the results of discussion between the government and the House of Representatives (DPR) about the policy.
"It is normal and I can accept it. But if what happens is a black campaign, suspicion or whatever political opponents use, then politics will sadden all of us," he said.
He said the problem facing the nation was how to rescue the national economy amidst the global economic slowdown.
"But what we are looking at now is that they see the plan to raise fuel prices as wrong and bad and that it must be opposed to," he said.
He said no president was pleased with a policy to raise fuel prices. But to secure the national economy, particularly the state budget, the step must be taken.
"As a leader, I am prepared to take any risk and face any challenge. What is important is that I have good intention and think it over carefully," he said. (*)
Editor: Kunto Wibisono
Copyright © ANTARA 2012
