SBY: PLURALISM TO BE FACTOR IN CHOOSING MINISTERS

Pekanbaru, Riau, June 20 (ANTARA) - Presidential candidate Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono said here on Saturday that pluralism would be a factor for determining his cabinet ministers later.

He said he had not right now thought of choosing a cabinet member from among local figures yet.

"I have not come to the point," he said to newsmen when asked about the possibility of local figures to be chosen as members of his cabinet later.

He said it was not impossible that a minister would be chosen upon his/her origin or religion.

He said one of the factors for determining the candidates was pluralism.

"Pluralism is important but quality may not be ignored as cabinet members are expected to be able to work according to their expertise," he said.

Yudhoyono said pluralism could also be realized through choosing a minister upon his/her religion.

Yudhoyono will compete with incumbent vice president Jusuf Kalla and former president Megawati Soekarnoputri in the presidential election on July 8.***1***