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resident Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono views ministerial posts as prestigious positions for which candidates are required to undergo a series of tests to ensure both their integrity and their party's political support for the new government, according to close aides.

Deputy chairman of the Democratic Party's executive board Ruhut Sitompul stressed that although the President had the right to pick his own aides, he wanted to exercise that right wisely, showing his accountability to the public.

"Pak SBY *Yudhoyono* also wants to pick the best people for the ministerial jobs. He wants his final term to be remembered for the right reasons," he told The Jakarta Post here on Friday.

He added the series of tests would be conducted based on Yudhoyono's experience of recruiting outgoing ministers in 2004, prompting him to reshuffle his Cabinet in 2005 and again in 2006.

"Pak SBY doesn't want to face the same problems in his second term. He wants to make sure political parties that nominate ministers will fully support his government and that no ministers will be involved in abuses of power," he said.

"I don't think it's a surprise that he requires ministerial candidates to take tests prior to their appointment, Democratic Party legislators had to do the same thing before starting their candidacy to contend the April 9 legislative election," he added.

On Wednesday the President called a number of politicians and professionals nominated for ministerial posts, telling them they were to undergo a direct interview with him, a medical test, a "fit-and-proper" test and an integrity test Saturday before selected candidates would be asked to sign an oath of integrity on Sunday or Monday.

"The next ministers not only have to be physically and mentally healthy but are also required to show competence and integrity in the performance of their duties," said Ruhut.

A number of big names were reportedly contacted by the President to form his economic team. Among them were economists Chatib Basri, Kuntoro Mangkusubroto, Evita Legowo, Raden Pardede, Agus Martowardojo and M.S. Hidayat.

Lukman Hakim, an executive from the United Development Party (PPP), said that Yudhoyono's policy was a positive step toward prepar-ing a professional Cabinet, ensuring effectiveness, efficiency and accountability.

"I think it's a great idea. The ministers will be facing major challenges and temptations throughout their term. They have to be prepared for what will be a stressful and tiring job," he said, adding that several politicians from the PPP had been contacted by the President to undergo the tests.

He also said his party would fully support the government's pro-people program in honoring the political contract his party had signed with the President.

"However, the political contract must allow room for the criticism that coalition parties will direct at the government. Being critical does not mean becoming the opposition," he said.

Meanwhile, a political expert from the Indonesian Civilized Circle (Lima), Ray Rangkuti, said that despite the tests, the President should take a close look into the non-physical aspects of each of the candidates.