President Jokowi Unhappy with Continued Bickering Among his Ministers: Presidential Spokesman

Jakarta, 24 Jumadil Awwal 1437/03 March 2016 (MINA) – President Joko Widodo is concerned over the incidents involving some of his cabinet ministers criticizing each other publicly, presidential spokesman Johan Budi stated here on Wednesday.

“Certainly, the president is not happy with the situation, and he has again ordered that such practices be brought to a halt,” he remarked at the office of presidential staff.

Budi said the president wanted that the ministers should only indulge in debates during limited cabinet or plenary meetings, Mi’raj Islamic News Agency (MINA) reported, quoting Antara News.

“Moreover, he has already conveyed it earlier by saying do not make a noise outside,” he noted in reply to questions from newsmen over the issue.

Budi affirmed that the president was unhappy and angered by the latest developments in which their arguments had become increasingly sharper and even touched personal issues.

“So, the president has again called for stopping it. Enough is enough. All ministers must understand that they have been selected to assist the president,” he stated.

Budi said President Widodo has always taken into account any form of differences, but they must only be put forth during limited cabinet or plenary meetings.

“When a decision has been made in the meetings, the ministers must implement it as the room for discussing it has already been opened before,” he pointed out.

When questioned whether an evaluation would be conducted on the ministers, Johan said he would but “only the president knew how the process would be carried out.”  (R07/R01)

Mi’raj Islamic News Agency (MINA)