I am not a Quitter — security minister
PANAMA’S PUBLIC Security Minister, Jose Raul Mulino on Tuesday December 20 ecjhoed the “I am not a quitter” words of defamed American president Richard Nixon.
Mulino who has been facing criticism in Panama and Italy over his conflicting statements related to the scandal around the government purchase of radar equipment and other security items has long been a target of civil rights groups over his strong man approach and his recent attempt to get a $123,000 windfall back payment for the police chief.
He told RPC Radio that while he doesn’t need the job he is not a quitter and, will remain in office until the President “so decides.”
Rumors of a cabinet shake up have been circulating for days, but not for the first time. Last time around President Ricardo Martinelli said that the head of the Tourism authority Saloman Shamah was being shown the door, after being refused a visa by the United States. WikiLeaks had published a US Embassy memo indicating money laundering links. Shamah, closely associated with Martinelli is still in office and the man who was touted as his replacement is still beyond the pale.
Today commentators and TV talking heads are speculating on who’s “in” and whose “out”, and government insides seem to have been preparing the way for change with references to Ministerial burn out , and the need for revitalization.
Mulino said that he is committed to bringing to Panama to be "a safer country." He said he continues to support the President Ricardo and "if I get to go that’ his prerogative. I do not need this job, I do it as a compromise,” he said.
Mulino's remarks contrasted with those of the Minister of the Presidency, Demetrio Papadimitriu, who acknowledged that currently there is a high attrition among government figures, a situation which he said it shows both in his person, as in other colleagues including the Minister of Public Security. Papadimitriu said that "it is always good to have a renewal of staff…It's something that the President should study."
