The two ministers, who will take part in the Democrat Party (PD) presidential candidate convention, are Trade Minister Gita Wirjawan and State-owned Enterprises Minister Dahlan Iskan, Laode said.
Jakarta (ANTARA News) - President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono must temporarily suspend or replace two ministers who plan to take part in the Democrat Party`s presidential candidate convention, Deputy Chairman of the Regional Representatives Council (DPD) Laode Ida said.

"The President must temporarily suspend or replace two of his ministers who will take part in the Democrat Party (PD) presidential candidate convention, namely Trade Minister Gita Wirjawan and State-owned Enterprises Minister Dahlan Iskan," Laode said here on Tuesday.

He added that he appreciated the step take by the PD to offer a chance to outsiders considered qualified to participate in its presidential candidate convention.

However, the PD, especially President Yudhoyono who is the general chairman of the ruling party, and the convention participants, should provide a good example to the public.

Laode urged Yudhoyono to allow those seeking the presidential nomination onto the `battle` stage so they could actively campaign for the position as the presidential candidate for the ruling party in next year`s presidential race.

Further, he said Yudhoyono could also ask the State Audit Board (BPK) to temporarily suspend or replace Ali Maskur Musa as a BPK member, because he has also joined the convention.

He also said the two economic ministers should focus on their professional duties during the country`s current unfavorable economic period, and deal with the rupiah depreciation and problems with imports of basic commodities.

It is very ironical if the two ministers are busy with their political agenda as participants of a presidential candidate convention.

Regarding House Speaker Marzuki Alie and DPD Chairman Irman Gusman, who also joined the convention, Laode said they did not need to step down from their positions because they were not executive officials.

"They are political officials in the parliament. They are different from executive officers or BPK officers," he added.(*)

Editor: Heru Purwanto
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