Critics health claims 'are slanderous'

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)