Critics not after accountability of president: Amien

Critics not after accountability of president: Amien

JAKARTA (JP): The likelihood of a political confrontation that
could topple the government looks increasingly distant after
President Abdurrahman Wahid's harshest critic affirmed that the
coming People's Consultative Assembly (MPR) would only demand a
"progress report" from the president.

Assembly Speaker Amien Rais continued to tone down his
rhetoric against Abdurrahman saying on Wednesday that the general
session from Aug. 5 to 12 would not be turned into an
extraordinary session which would demand a presidential
accountability.

"The president will only be asked to deliver a progress
report," Amien said. "Not an accountability," he added

Amien even went so far as to say that Abdurrahman's report to
the Assembly would be nothing like former president B.J.
Habibie's accountability speech in October last year.

"The president in August will only be asked to explain the
government's progress which will then be evaluated by the MPR,"
he explained.

"If judgment (of the MPR) of the president and his Cabinet is
not favorable, it doesn't necessarily mean that he will have to
step down."

Amien continued his conciliatory tone after a much publicized
truce with Abdurrahman late last month.

In earlier weeks Amien voiced harsh criticism of the president
saying he would not hesitate to 'pinch' the president's ear and
even suggested the possibility of an Assembly special session
should Abdurrahman go ahead with his proposal to scrap the 34-
year ban on communism.

But in the past two weeks Amien seems to have toned down his
"attacks" against the president.

Amien even remarked on Wednesday that even if a majority of
Assembly members were dissatisfied with the progress report, it
would not signal the end of his term.

"Though over 50 percent of the MPR think the president's work
is poor, it would only mean the president gets a red mark on his
report card."

"Just because a student get a red mark on his report card it
doesn't necessarily mean that he will be dismissed. It's
precisely for that reason that he should be told so he can
improve his record," Amien said.

House of Representatives Speaker Akbar Tandjung also stressed
that there was little threat of unseating the president in the
coming session.

"I have to stress that so far, the House has not seen the
president violate the Constitution," he said.

He added that apart from the president, the Supreme Advisory
Council and State Audit Board would also be asked to present a
progress report during the session. (mds)