"I have conveyed my views to President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono. I am willing to resign as the trade minister if there is a conflict of interest between my position in the government and my plan to participate in the Democrat Party`s presidential convention," said the minister.
However, he emphasised that the decision lies in the hands of the president.
The Democrat Party formally announced on Sunday (Sept 15) that 11 participants would be competing in the party`s convention to become the party`s presidential candidate in next year`s election.
The eleven participants are Ali Masykur Musa (member of the State Audit Board), Marzuki Alie (House Speaker), Pramono Edhie Wibowo (former army chief of staff), Irman Gusman (chairman of the Regional Representatives Council), Hayono Isman (parliament member and former minister), Anies Rasyid Baswedan (university rector), Sinyo Harry Sarundajang (provincial governor), Edriartono Sutarto (former defence forces commander), Gita Wirjawan (current trade minister), Dino Patti Djalal (current ambassador to the US), and Dahlan Iskan (current state enterprises minister).
Earlier, Deputy Chairman of the Regional Representatives Council (DPD) Laode Ida urged President Yudhoyono to temporarily suspend or replace Gita Wirjawan and Dahlan Isikan.
He appreciated Democrat Party`s efforts to include outsiders in the list of participants for the presidential candidate convention.
However, the party, especially President Yudhoyono, who is the general chairman of the ruling party, and the participants, should set a good example for the public.
Laode urged Yudhoyono to allow those seeking the presidential nomination to enter the `battle` stage and be active participants of the presidential candidacy for the ruling party in next year`s presidential race.(*)
Editor: Heru Purwanto
Copyright © ANTARA 2013