"It intends to quit, but I think it is still under discussion," Social Affairs Minister Salim Segaf Al-Jufri said.
Jakarta (ANTARA News) - The Prosperous and Justice Party (PKS) intends to quit the government coalition, a minister said.

"It intends to quit, but I think it is still under discussion," Social Affairs Minister Salim Segaf Al-Jufri said here on Thursday.

He added that PKS would leave its intention to quit the coalition to the `Majlis Syuro` (its highest law-making body) to decide the matter.

According to the minister, President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono has not yet communicated with members regarding the position of PKS to the Coalition`s Joint Secretariat and the Cabinet.

Salim, a PKS minister, said he was still carrying out his duties as usual. On Thursday, he attended a meeting at the Presidential office.

Earlier, Secretary of the Joint Secretariat of the Coalition Parties, Syarif Hasan, said the PKS`s decision to oppose the coalition`s policy regarding subsidized fuel oil violated its contract with the coalition.

Opposition to the policy could cause the termination of PKS`s membership in the coalition, he said.

The same view was also expressed by Chairman of the United Development Party, Suryadharma Ali, who said that the agreement signed with the coalition was binding.(*)

Editor: Heru Purwanto
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