Jakarta. Chief Security Minister Mohammad Mahfud MD confirmed on Wednesday that he will officially resign from his position in President Joko “Jokowi” Widodo's cabinet this week to shift his focus towards his election bid as a vice-presidential candidate.

In a video message streamed from Central Lampung regency, Mahfud said that he had requested a private meeting with the president to formally submit his resignation.

“I will submit my resignation letter as soon as I receive confirmation about the meeting with the president,” Mahfud said. “The president is not in Jakarta until Thursday, neither am I. Hopefully, we can meet in person as soon as we return to Jakarta.”

Mahfud, who is contesting against Jokowi’s son, Gibran Rakabuming Raka, insisted on a face-to-face meeting with the president to convey his resignation.

“I was appointed with full respect and trust from the president. In return, I have diligently and, God willing, fruitfully served over the past four and a half years,” Mahfud said.

He quoted a Javanese saying to underline that he will never abandon responsibilities without dignity and honor.

“My appointment is based on mutual respect between me and the president, so I have to bid farewell with dignity,” he expressed.

Mahfud serves as the running mate of presidential candidate Ganjar Pranowo, while Jokowi’s son is partnering with Prabowo Subianto.

Under the State Palace protocol, an outgoing cabinet member is required to submit the resignation letter to the State Secretariat before arranging a meeting with the president for a verbal reply.

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