Nasdem not Proposing Candidates for Jokowi Cabinet Minister

Surabaya, E Java (Antara) - General chairman of the National Democrat (Nasdem) party Surya Paloh said his party would not seek to interfere in the work of President-elect Joko widodo (Jokowi) in forming his cabinet. "Nasdem is consistent in its position in giving support without condition. We leave it all to Jokowi to form his cabinet," Surya Paloh said here on Sunday. Nasdem has been the first party to join Indonesian Democratic Party of Struggle (PDIP) in naming Jokowi and Jusuf Kalla (JK) as the presidential and vice presidential candidates. Surya Paloh was in Surabaya to attend the opening on Sunday of the national congress of the Nation Awakening Party (PKB), which is also one of the coalition supporting Jokowi-JK. "Until now we have no information about the candidates for ministers to be picked by Jokowi to form his cabinet," he said. Nasdem has many capable candidates but the party would not seek to persuade Jokowi, he said, adding "we want to strengthen the presidential system we have agreed to develop." added. He said his party also supports the policy adopted by Jokowi including in planning to raise the prices of subsidized oil fuels (BBM). "This shows that Jokowi is ready to adopt a non popular policy. It would be a big move to finally win the popular support," he said. He criticized leaders that have no courage to face the risk of being unpopular, saying "anyone could do that." He said if Jokowi is ready to take an unpopular policy and consistent in doing so for the good of the people, the people would understand and give their support. (*)