TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - Jakarta Deputy Governor Basuki “Ahok” Tjaha Purnama said that the Great Indonesia Movement (Gerindra) Party deputy chief patron Hashim Djojohadikusumo deplored his resignation from the Gerindra Party.

Ahok explained that Hashim asked him to meet the party’s chief patron Prabowo Subianto to discuss his plan before quitting. “Why did you quit?” said Ahok as he was quoting Hashim on Sunday.

However, Ahok said the discussion is no longer impotant as he has different perspective from the majority of Merah Putih Coalition members about regional elections bill.

Ahok already submitted his resignation letter last Wednesday. The refusal for discussion began from conversation with Gerindra Party secretary general Aryo Djojohadikusumo, Hashim’s son, a day before Ahok’s resignation. From the conversation, Ahok deemed the discussion would not change the coalition’s perspective. Ahok also said his different perspective would eventually get him fired from the party.

Ahok continued that he has never met Prabowo again since submitting his resignation. Hashim, however, still asks Ahok to meet Prabowo. Ahok agreed and left it to Hashim to arrange the schedule for him to meet Prabowo. “The meeting depends on Mr. Hashim now,” said Ahok.

LINDA HAIRANI