Gus Dur vows to remain critical

Gus Dur vows to remain critical

PALEMBANG: Former president Abdurrahman Wahid, or Gus Dur as
he is familiarly known, said he would continue criticizing his
successor President Megawati Soekarnoputri as the Constitution
guaranteed freedom of speech.

"The Constitution guarantees my freedom to talk about
anything. This country has the right to know what is right. As
long as nobody else speaks the truth, I will keep on talking
out," Abdurrahman said.

He was commenting on Megawati's request for him to stop
criticizing her, especially against the backdrop of the current
wave of antigovernment rallies.

Abdurrahman, who was ousted from office, ostensibly for
incompetence, contended that his statements were aimed at helping
Megawati improve her leadership and not to rock her
administration. -- Antara