PKS Lauds President Elect Jokowi's Simplicity

Jakarta (Antara) - The Prosperous Justice Party (PKS) supports the plan of President-elect Joko Widodo to halt the procurement of new vehicles in a bid to save the state budget. "We support Mr. Jokowi for his simplicity and his plan in connection with ministers who are appointed in his cabinet to leave their posts in the party (no double post)," Hidayat Nur Wahid, a leader of the party's faction of the Prosperous Justice Party (PKS) stated here on Friday. According to Hidayat, austerity and simplicity are the political views of PKS, which are implemented on a daily basis. Hidayat cited his refusal to use a luxury car when he served as chairman of the People's Consultative Assembly in 2004-2009. "I say Alhamdulillah, if Jokowi stops the procurement of Mercedes-Benz cars in order to save the state budget. It will continue the tradition of simple living," he affirmed. He supported Jokowi's viewpoint that an elected minister should not hold a position in the political party. "I support Jokowi's plan that a minister should not hold double posts. It is also a good tradition to continue," he emphasized. Earlier, Jokowi regretted the decision to purchase new Mercedes-Benz cars for his ministers, and instead, preferred the official Toyota Crown Royal Saloon cars used by the previous government. If the procurement of new vehicles is stopped, it will save the state budget. (*)