"It was just a friendly gathering for lunch. There was no discussion about ministerial posts," he said after visiting the residence of the general chairperson of the Indonesia Democratic Party Struggle (PDIP) and former president.
PDIPs cadre Joko "Jokowi" Widodo pairing with former vice president Jusuf Kalla had been declared as the winner of the July 9 presidential election by the General Elections Commission (KPU), beating his rival Prabowo Subianto who had paired with Hatta Rajasa.
In the election, Muhaimins Nation Awakening Party (PKB) had supported PDIP along with the National Democrat Party (Nasdem), the Peoples Conscience Party (Hanura), and the Indonesia Unity and Justice Party (PKPI).
Prabowo meanwhile was supported by his Great Indonesia Movement Party (Gerindra), Golkar Party, the United Development Party (PPP), Hattas National Mandate Party (PAN), the Prosperous Justice Party (PKS), and the Moon and Star Party (PBB).
Prabowo has challenged the KPUs decision by filing a lawsuit with the Constitutional Court.
Regarding the coalition, Muhaimin suggested that it would remain open (for others to join) but must also be limited.
"However, it will all depend on the decision of the president and vice president. The coalition must not have too many members because if it is too large it will be ineffective. What is important is the 50+1 ratio at the parliament is secured," he said.
Muhaimin said that Jokowi has been designing a strategy with regard to the formation of his future cabinet and coalition, adding that talks have been continuing in that regard.
"We hope Prabowo could be calm and support Jokowis programs," he said.
With regard to cabinet members, Muhaimin meanwhile called on the people not to differentiate between professionals and party cadres.
"It will be alright for party cadres to join so long as they are also professional. What is important is they meet the major requirements, namely professionalism and leadership," he said, adding that PKB has not proposed any name for a ministerial post so far.
He said however he will be ready if asked to become a minister.
Editor: Ella Syafputri
Copyright © ANTARA 2014
