Purnomo to retain ministerial post, helped by a junior minister: sources

Purnomo Yusgiantor would retain its position as Minister of Energy and Mineral Resources in the Cabinet of new President Megawati Soekarnoputri but he would be assisted by a junior minister in charge of oil and gas affairs, sources said.

Sources at the House of Representatives said legislator Pramono Anung, who is also a top executive of Megawati?s PDI Perjuangan party would be appointed by as Junior Minister for Oil and Gas Affairs.

Pramono is now a member of the House?s Commission VIII for energy and mineral resources, environment, science and technology.

According to the sources, Megawati would keep Purnomo in his current position because her party felt comfortable with him.

Other names tipped to head the ministry is Hatta Radjasa, a close friend of Speaker of the People?s Consultative Assembly (MPR) Amien Rais, who has managed to lead the assembly in impeaching former President Abdurrahman Wahid and in installing Megawati as new President. Both of the PAN party.

But, sources said , Hatta?s chance was slim.

Other name Arifin Panigoro, an oil businessman and top executive of PDI-Perjuangan, has also been, in the past, tipped to become Minister of Energy and Mineral Resources once Megawati become a president. But sources said this time his chance was slim as Megawati fears with Arifin in the cabinet, her administration would face a ?problem ?.

Arifin is being investigated by the Attorney General?s Office for alleged corruption. (Bodega)