Julian: New finance minister to come from professionals

Antara News, Friday, May 7, 2010 20:58 WIB

Jakarta (ANTARA News) - President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono will choose candidates from professionals to replace Finance Minister Sri Mulyani, presidential spokesman Julian Aldrin Pasha said here on Friday.

"What is certain is that he/she will come from the professional, meaning the one who really knows the financial sector," he said after accompanying the head of state at the opening of the Congress of Muslims.

He said the view was taken because the President saw the post as very strategic and important with regard to national development efforts.

"So it will be more ideal if the one who will be at the post is the most knowledgeable about the financial sector and economy in general," he said.

Julian said based on custom or tradition so far the position is always filled by professionals. "So it is almost certain the person will from there," he said.

He said however that no certain name had been chosen by the President.

Julian did not know if the process of selection would be done like in the selection of cabinet ministers before namely through a fit and proper test and with a working contract.

"I do not know exactly who would be the new finance minister and if the process or mechanism for the selection will be done like in the selection of cabinet ministers before," he said.

Julian however declined to confirm that the possibility for candidates from political parties has been closed. "I did not say that candidates from political parties are impossible but it is most likely, if the considerations are for maintaining the continuity of current fiscal and macro-economic policies, that the candidate will be from the professional," he said.

Coordinating minister for economic affairs Hatta Radjasa meanwhile said the next finance minister must have integrity and capability and spirit to build the country.

"My view is the new finance minister must have integrity and it could be seen from his/her track records and performance," he said at his office on Friday.

Hatta said there were a lot of figures who could meet the criteria not only from political parties but also from the professional.

He said he personally wished the next finance minister would not come from political parties. "I have a personal view that a finance minister must come from non-political parties. That is my view although the prerogative right is in the hands of the President and the tradition will become, let us say, the President`s policy," he said.

He said the post would not be doubled or there would be an acting minister after Sri Mulyani left as of June 1.

"The President would announce the new minister before June 1, because the post is vital and strategic," he said.

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