Hasan said PAN`s decision to shift its support to the government was taken because it is aware that current economic conditions are serious and political tensions are escalating.
Jakarta (ANTARA News) - The General Chairman of the National Mandate Party (PAN), Zulkifli Hasan, has denied that the party will be handed a governmental post in exchange for its decision to join the governments coalition.

"There is no practical politics (in connection with PAN joining the Great Indonesia coalition)," he said on Wednesday.

He declined to comment when asked if PAN had been offered a government position, saying that the party did not want to be occupied by coalition or opposition issues and instead wanted to focus on making cheaper prices of staples a reality for the people of Indonesia.

"We do not want to go to KMP (opposition Red-White coalition) or the KIH and then fight again. The prices are already very high. What can people buy if they remain very high?" he asked.

Hasan said PANs decision to shift its support to the government was taken because it is aware that current economic conditions are serious and political tensions are escalating.

He said that due to these challenges, the political situation must be made peaceful for the welfare of the people.

"PAN is of the view that it is not an opportune moment to fight over party or group politics. It is time for us to unite to meet the current challenges for the sake of the state and nation," he noted.

Hasan also explained that the participation of PAN in the governments coalition would send a strong signal to businesses and investors that Indonesia is united and a good place to do business, which would insulate the country against the impact currently being felt by the people.

"This will propel businesses to build and invest here and the presence of a responsible political party will reassure the people," he added.

He also pointed out that the advisory Board Chairman, Amien Rais, had given his approval for the partys move for the sake of a Unitary State of Indonesia.

Hasan said Amien, who is also the founder of the party, wished that the presence of a stable political party could be felt by the people and that political parties would prioritize the interests of the state and the nation.

"Amien said what is important is the Unitary State of Indonesia. He said it must not be disrupted and that he is willing to do anything to ensure that. Thats the ideal for PAN, which is nationalist politics," he said.(*)

Editor: Heru Purwanto
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