Critics health claims 'are slanderous'<\/p>\n
JAKARTA (JP): President Abdurrahman Wahid warned on Sunday
\nthat his opponents could be prosecuted for claiming he is
\nmedically unfit to run office.<\/p>\n
Abdurrahman, who suffered two strokes before assuming power in
\nOctober 1999, was responding to a report sent to the House of
\nRepresentatives (DPR) earlier this year by a team of four doctors
\nthat claimed the President's frail health had affected his
\nability to run the country.<\/p>\n
Since then a growing number of critics have demanded that the
\n60-year-old President, who has a visibility problem, undergo
\nindependent medical tests.<\/p>\n
Members of the presidential medical team have flatly rejected
\nthe report's findings as the four-doctor team did not examine
\nAbdurrahman.<\/p>\n
Abdurrahman said, however, that he would not sue over the
\nclaims.<\/p>\n
"Let the security authorities prosecute, because they believe
\nthey slandered the head of state," the President was quoted by
\nAntara as saying after he prayed at the Al Amaliyah Mosque in
\nCiawi, Bogor, just south of Jakarta.<\/p>\n
The state of the President's health became an issue again on
\nSaturday when he canceled a routine medical checkup at the Gatot
\nSubroto Army Hospital without explanation.<\/p>\n
However, Abdurrahman, who is facing possible impeachment for
\nalleged corruption and incompetence, said on Friday he was
\nhealthy and fit enough to stay in office and would fight moves to
\noust him.<\/p>\n
Aides said he would proceed with a one-day visit to
\nneighboring Thailand on Monday.<\/p>\n
A palace source told The Jakarta Post on Sunday that the
\npresidential entourage is scheduled to leave for Bangkok at about
\n6:30 a.m. on Monday.<\/p>\n
Abdurrahman is due to return to Jakarta on Tuesday morning,
\nthe source said. (byg)<\/p>",
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