Politician proposes Dahlan-Hatta for presidential election

Dahlan Iskan: (JP/R. Berto Wedhatama)President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono’s Democratic Party central board executive Ulil Abshar Abdalla says media tycoon and State-Owned Enterprises Minister Dahlan Iskan will be a good, fresh face for the 2014 presidential election.

He said National Mandate Party (PAN) chief and Yudhoyono’s in-law Hatta Rajasa would be a perfect match as Dahlan’s running mate in the election.

“I will try to raise this in the party and promote an [internal] discourse,” Ulil said on Wednesday as quoted by detik.com.

He said it would be interesting to see Dahlan, a “unique and interesting” figure who had made a number of breakthroughs, as a leader in these times.

Hatta Rajasa: (Antara/M. Agung Rajasa)

“The year 2014 needs alternative figures, not only a few old figures; we need to push for new names,” Ulil said.

“And Pak Dahlan gets things done. But, of course, Pak Dahlan will need a major party like the Democratic Party to support him.”

He added that Hatta, who is also the coordinating economic minister, would be a suitable running mate for vice president post in a pairing with Dahlan.

However, this may contradict PAN’s desire to support its chief patron for the presidency, Ulil said. (mtq)