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Mahfud is favorite running mate for Ganjar, Prabowo and Anies
Mahfud’s courage to openly talk about alleged mega-corruption at the Finance Ministry and common bribery practices at the Houses of Representatives, as well as his constant defense of freedom of religion and speech, are among the factors that make him attractive to voters.
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Head to head: Coordinating Political, Legal and Security Affairs Minister Mahfud MD (left), who also chairs the national anti-money laundering committee, talks with Finance Minister Sri Mulyani Indrawati as they attend a hearing with House of Representatives Commission III, overseeing legal affairs, in Jakarta, on April 11. The hearing tabled the committee’s latest findings about suspicious transactions amounting to Rp 349 trillion (US$23.6 billion). (Antara/Galih Pradipta)
With massive public support, Coordinating Political, Legal and Security Affairs Minister Mahfud MD now stands a strong chance to rekindle a dream he lost at the last minute five years ago to the incumbent Vice President Ma’ruf Amin.
All three presidential aspirants are likely to be tempted to select Mahfud as their vice-presidential running mate. For sure he would be a powerful vote-getter because of his impressive track record and acceptability to moderate Muslim and non-Muslim electorates.
President Joko “Jokowi” Widodo appointed the open-minded Mahfud his chief security minister, the first-ever civilian to hold the position, perhaps as a consolation after failing to name him his running mate. Mahfud plays an effective coordinating role because the ministers and senior officials under his auspices respect him for his broad knowledge, wide networking and integrity, as well as his frank and outspoken way of communication.
