TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - Staunch supporter of the Scottish independence movements and Scotland's First Minister will step down from his post, following the nation's decision to stay within the union with the United Kingdom (UK).
Last week, 55 percent of Scotland's eligible residents voted 'No' to the question "Should Scotland be an independent country?".
"Scotland would be better off under a new leadership. The time has nearly come for me to give other people the chance to lead," said Alex Salmond at a press conference in Edinburgh, as reported by the Guardian of Friday, September 19, 2014.
Alex Salmond has been one of the dominant forces in Scottish politics for decades - in fact, the secession referendum was the brainchild of the 59-years old politician.
Scotland's plan if the secession referendum was successful was proposed by Salmond in November 2013, through a 670-page document titled 'Scotland's Future', which documents in great detail a number of matters, including Scotland's currency, taxation, and social welfare system.
Although he had conceded defeat, he firmly believed that the fight for Scotland's independence must go on, for the sake of the Scottish minorities in the UK.
"The time has almost come for me to step down as a leader. But for Scotland, the fight for independence continues and the dream shall live on," said Salmond.
RINDU P. HESTYA | THE GUARDIAN
