Critics health claims 'are slanderous'

JAKARTA (JP): President Abdurrahman Wahid warned on Sunday that his opponents could be prosecuted for claiming he is medically unfit to run office.

Abdurrahman, who suffered two strokes before assuming power in October 1999, was responding to a report sent to the House of Representatives (DPR) earlier this year by a team of four doctors that claimed the President's frail health had affected his ability to run the country.

Since then a growing number of critics have demanded that the 60-year-old President, who has a visibility problem, undergo independent medical tests.

Members of the presidential medical team have flatly rejected the report's findings as the four-doctor team did not examine Abdurrahman.

Abdurrahman said, however, that he would not sue over the claims.

"Let the security authorities prosecute, because they believe they slandered the head of state," the President was quoted by Antara as saying after he prayed at the Al Amaliyah Mosque in Ciawi, Bogor, just south of Jakarta.

The state of the President's health became an issue again on Saturday when he canceled a routine medical checkup at the Gatot Subroto Army Hospital without explanation.

However, Abdurrahman, who is facing possible impeachment for alleged corruption and incompetence, said on Friday he was healthy and fit enough to stay in office and would fight moves to oust him.

Aides said he would proceed with a one-day visit to neighboring Thailand on Monday.

A palace source told The Jakarta Post on Sunday that the presidential entourage is scheduled to leave for Bangkok at about 6:30 a.m. on Monday.

Abdurrahman is due to return to Jakarta on Tuesday morning, the source said. (byg)