PAN Hits Golkar Sentil, Says Zulhas Is Not Aware Of His Increasing Position As Minister

Zulkifli Hasan/Photo: Antara

JAKARTA - The National Mandate Party (PAN) has been criticized by the Golkar Party, who urged its General Chair, Zulkifli Hasan, to distribute free oil while campaigning for his son who will run for the 2024 Pilleg. Trading. The chairman of the East Java Golkar DPD, Sarmuji, assesses that Zulhas is not aware that his position is now not only as a PAN chairman and a father, but also as a minister. In particular, the Minister of Trade, who is currently under the spotlight because of the high price of cooking oil.

"Because Pak Zulhas has only served as minister for a month, perhaps he is not yet aware that his position is now increasing not only as a party leader and father, but as a minister who is bound by the rules of public office," Sarmuji told reporters, Wednesday, July 13.

The Deputy Chairman of Commission VI of the DPR reminded that Zulhas must be more careful with his new position as Minister of Trade. Because the head of the commission, which is partnering with the Ministry of Trade, said, the issue of cooking oil is still a sensitive issue.

"Ministers should be careful. Because the minister is a public office which is like an open book for everyone to read. Especially regarding sensitive issues such as cooking oil," said Sarmuji.

Previously, the Chairman of the PAN DPP, Saleh Partaonan Daulay, clarified the polemic over the distribution of Oilita packaged oil by the General Chair of PAN and the Minister of Trade Zulkifli Hasan at a cheap market event in Telukbetung Timur, Bandar Lampung, Saturday, July 9.

Saleh stated that the Cheap PANsar in Lampung was purely a party activity. Incidentally, he said, at the event, the distribution of cheap cooking oil of Oilita made by the Ministry of Trade (Kemendag) was carried out.

"Because this is a party activity, the procurement of cooking oil is done independently. It means that party officials and PAN candidates buy it from distributors. Then, it is distributed to the public for free," Saleh told reporters, Tuesday, July 12.

Saleh continued, this kind of activity should be appreciated. Because his intention to help the community. It also shows that the government is able to lower the price of cooking oil.

"While we know that the issue of cooking oil has caused a lot of trouble for the community, especially women," said the North Sumatran legislator.

The chairman of the PAN faction of the DPR explained that Zulhas' presence in the activity was in his capacity as the general chairman of the party. As the general chairman, said Saleh, of course he has the responsibility to explain what is being done.

"In this case, he was given a very short time by the president to handle cooking oil. And Alhamdulillah it worked. Well, that's what he wanted to convey to the public," Saleh explained.

Meanwhile, regarding the campaign for his daughter, who is also the administrator of the PAN DPP and the Lampung 1 PAN Legislative Candidate, Futri Zulya Savitri, according to Saleh, it is only natural for a general chairman to ask the public to vote for candidates from PAN.

"There is a good opportunity to meet with the community. He conveyed about the decline in cooking oil prices. Of course it is not wrong, if at the same time he asked to choose PAN candidates. That way, there will be continuity of the program and struggle for the interests of the community," said Saleh.