Kalla rejects Yudhoyono’s offer to help government

Vice President Jusuf Kalla turned down Friday a request from President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono to help his new administration.

Kalla, who was defeated by Yudhoyono in the July presidential election, said he had opted to stay out of the next government but would be ready to provide advice if required.

When asked about the possibility that the President might appoint him a member of the Presidential Advisory Council, Kalla said: “No.”

“A chairman of a foundation or a businessman cannot sit on the council and I am not qualified to do so,” he said.

Kalla dismissed rumors that he might be given a position as a senior minister or coordinating minister in the upcoming Yudhoyono administration.

President Yudhoyono said Thursday he was giving everyone, including Kalla, the chance to work together with his government for the next five years. The President said a figure like Kalla could contribute a lot to the country.