TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - The National Mandate Party (PAN) has understood should President Joko `Jokowi` Widodo dismiss a minister from its party, Asman Abnur. PAN secretary-general Saleh Partaonan Daulay considered it as a reasonable act in the wake of recent political dynamics.

“Related to the recent political dynamics, in the constitution, the President has a prerogative right to manage his cabinet in the governance,” said Saleh via a short message to Tempo, Tuesday, August 14.

Asman Abnur is the only PAN representative in Jokowi’s cabinet as Minister of Administrative and Bureaucracy Reform. His position is threatened since the party committed to carrying out Prabowo Subianto and Sandiaga Uno for the presidential race next year.

State Secretary Minister Pratikno said the president would likely remove Asman regardless his good performance. He added the party opposition which was against the incumbent candidate became an internal issue in the government coalition.

PAN, Saleh continued, deployed its best cadre to help Jokowi. In point of fact, Saleh assessed that the President still needs Asman yet he is urged by his people.

Saleh touched on the achievement of Asman Abnur during his term in the cabinet including the bureaucratic reform such as human resources and budget management.

“Pak Pratikno also admit his [Asman Abnur] good works. We are indeed glad of his performance,” said Saleh, expecting the issue would not hinder the minister to maintain his duty.

BUDIARTI UTAMI PUTRI | AHMAD FAIZ