Latief denies proposing marriage to starlet<\/p>\n
JAKARTA (JP): Minister of Manpower Abdul Latief vehemently
\ndenied reports yesterday that he had proposed to starlet Desy
\nRatnasari, and said he would sue the media which had published
\nslanderous reports.<\/p>\n
"It's not true that I proposed to Ms Desy Ratnasari... our
\nrelationship is merely one of friendship," Latief said.<\/p>\n
He called a special press conference yesterday at the Pasaraya
\nbuilding in South Jakarta, where he demanded the press stop
\nintruding in his personal and private affairs.<\/p>\n
"Don't let it be my fate to become another Diana," he said,
\nreferring to the British Princess who was constantly hounded by
\ntabloid journalists.<\/p>\n
This was the first official statement made by either Latief or
\nDesy about their widely rumored engagement.<\/p>\n
Latief had just returned from accompanying two of his sons to
\nthe United States where they study.<\/p>\n
Reports that the stylish 57-year-old minister and the 24-year-
\nold screen star were engaged have been the talk of the town for
\nweeks.<\/p>\n
Latief divorced his first wife, Nursiah, in 1992, a year
\nbefore he was appointed to the cabinet.<\/p>\n
He has four children from his 25-year marriage.<\/p>\n
Latief, who is known to be a successful businessman, claimed
\nthat he would be very careful about deciding to marry again.<\/p>\n
"I'd rather be a widower for a while than get married quickly
\nand having it not last," said the owner of the Pasaraya
\nDepartment store.<\/p>\n
"If and when I get married again, it will be my last
\nmarriage," he said.<\/p>\n
He then described the qualities he sought in a wife.<\/p>\n
He said she must love his children, possess inner beauty and
\nbe religious.<\/p>\n
"We have a quality life on earth and in the afterlife," he
\nsaid.<\/p>\n
He then called for the media's understanding of his need for
\nprivacy in his personal life.<\/p>\n
He said that before he decided to get married again, he and
\nhis prospective wife would have to be given the opportunity to
\nget acquainted.<\/p>\n
"So please, my dear journalists, I really hope that you do not
\nbother us, whoever my potential wife may be, if you see her
\nwalking with my family, going to the movies, eating in a
\nrestaurant or anything else," he beseeched.<\/p>\n
"This is for the privacy of me and my family."<\/p>\n
Suit<\/p>\n
Latief then said he was disappointed with some of the media
\nreports that had, he said, "gone beyond the limits of
\nacceptability based on the morals and ethics of our country".<\/p>\n
"The dignity and respect of my family have been affronted," he
\nsaid, adding that he felt sorry for Desy and her family who have
\nbeen also hounded by journalists.<\/p>\n
The minister said he would take legal action against the media
\norganizations that had slandered and caused moral damage with
\ntheir reports.<\/p>\n
"I will have to legally sue them," he said without saying
\nwhich organizations he was referring to.<\/p>\n
"My legal council from the Makarim and Tiara law office will
\nfollow up with action in accordance with the law," he added.<\/p>\n
Despite his threats to sue, Latief looked very relaxed and was
\nvery friendly to the large media crowd that had gathered at his
\ninvitation.<\/p>\n
He thanked them for coming on a Sunday, saying that he did not
\nwant to hold a press briefing on a work day because this was a
\npersonal matter. (mds)<\/p>",
"url": "https:\/\/jawawa.id\/newsitem\/latief-denies-proposing-marriage-to-starlet-1447893297",
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"sponsor": "Okusi Associates",
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