Makassa (ANTARA News) - Youth and Sports Affairs Minister Andi Malarangeng said he did not discuss the Bank Century case with former Vice President Jusuf Kalla here on Friday night.

Malarangeng visited Kalla`s private residence on Jalan Haji Bau on Friday night for a get-together with the former vice president whom he respected as his teacher, but they did not touch on the Bank Century case, the presidential election, nor the happenings involving the Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK).

"We talked only about the nation`s future," Malarangeng said after the visit.

Malarangeng said that in the 90-minute meeting with Kalla, he asked about the latter`s experience in the negotiations to solve the Aceh problem, road infrastructure development in South Sulawesi, and other casual issues.

"It was only a friendly gathering for us to enjoy Coto Makassar and Palu Basa, typical Makassar foods," Malarangeng said, adding that with his brothers Rizal and Choel Malarangeng they asked Jusuf Kalla to tell them about his experiences as minister and then as vice president in facing the national problems.

Asked if he brought a special message from President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono for Kalla, Malarangeng said there was no message from the head of state.

"There is no special message from the president," Malarangeng said as he stepped into Jusuf Kalla`s house for the first ever visit since the presidential election campaign in July this year.

In a campaign rally here at the time, Malarangeng said it was not the time for someone from South Sulawesi to become the nation`s top leader.

Malarangeng`s statement at the time hurt the feelings of South Sulawesi people so much they held demonstrations in Makassar streets to condemn him, especially because he himself hailed from South Sulawesi.

But asked about the statement he made during the election campaign, Mallarangeng showed no sign of regret and only said he had come to see Jusuf Kalla because he respected the former vice president.

Andi Malarangeng visited the former vice president with his brothers Rizal Malarangeng and Choen Malarangeng along with their respective wives.

The visit to Jusuf Kalla`s private residence on Friday evening by the Malarangeng brothers was closed to the media and the waiting newsmen were only able to take pictures.
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Editor: Suryanto
COPYRIGHT © 2012

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