Wahid defies all amid Indonesia's crisis

Wahid claims a response to the censure will result in a catastrophe for the parliament

By staff and wire reports

JAKARTA, Indonesia -- Indonesia's embattled President Abdurrahman Wahid has angrily defied opponents, refusing to either hand over more power to his popular deputy or answer a second parliamentary censure over two graft scandals.

It was a day of dramatic stakes-raising by Wahid after rumors of the president's poor health circulated on Friday.

Wahid has until the end of May to respond to the second memorandum but warned that parliament was playing a dangerous game if it moved forward with impeachment proceedings.

"(There will be) no response," Wahid told a snap press conference called to disprove rumors that he was ill.

"If there is a response, it's a catastrophe for the parliament," he said without elaborating.

The president has been twice censured by parliament over alleged roles in two financial scandals. So far, he denies any wrongdoing.

He also said he would not hand more power to Vice-President Megawati Sukarnoputri because she had already been given sufficient responsibilities.

"No, that agreement was reached a long time ago. The vice president has already been given responsibility for the daily running of the government," Wahid said.

"More power, what? I would like to ask you what? I have given everything to her," a visibly impatient Wahid told reporters when asked if he would consider suggestions to share power.

His comment is likely to dash attempts by his supporters who try to broker a power-sharing deal with the popular Megawati to halt the impeachment drive through attempts.

A team of seven senior ministers, appointed to give advice to embattled Wahid, has said power-sharing could be a solution to the political crisis.

Megawati chairs the Indonesian Democratic Party, the biggest in parliament, and many observers say that Wahid's survival depends on Megawati's support.

Many lawmakers and members of Wahid's own Cabinet have suggested he can only avoid impeachment by sharing power with Megawati -- or stepping down.

"He is slowly committing political suicide," said Alvin Lie, an outspoken legislator.

Friday rumors

Wahid, enfeebled by two strokes, missed the Friday Muslim prayers.

Since he became president, the Muslim cleric had always attended the prayers every Friday, usually followed by a dialogue session with government officials and reporters.

A presidential spokesman said Wahid fell asleep, but the president himself told reporters he missed Friday prayers because of the health monitoring device he had to wear on his body.

"I cannot do anything. It would have been troublesome if I had gone to the Friday prayers," said Wahid, also known as Gus Dur, as quoted by Antara news agency.

"The decision not to go to Friday prayers is a mature decision," he further said. "In Islam, one would be questioned if he misses Friday prayers three times in a row."

A palace doctor said Wahid would undergo a routine medical check on Saturday. "He is still healthy," the doctor, Umar Wahid, who is also his brother, added.

Many people blame his deteriorating health for his lack of focus in governing the world's fourth most populous nation.

Reuters contributed to this report.

Wahid at the mercy of his deputy
May 10, 2001
Indonesian ministers to tell Wahid to share power
May 9, 2001
Wahid holds crisis meeting
May 8, 2001

Indonesia Government

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