Issue memorandum, but no impeachment, says Cabinet

Issue memorandum, but no impeachment, says Cabinet

JAKARTA (JP): The Cabinet on Saturday once again pleaded with
the House of Representatives, warning them against going too far
in its censure of President Abdurrahman Wahid.

Speaking at a media briefing after a Cabinet meeting, Cabinet
Secretary Marsilam Simanjuntak and Minister of Justice and Human
Rights Burhanuddin Lopa said despite issuing a second memorandum
the House should not push further its censure.

"We hope the House will not ask for a special session of the
People's Consultative Assembly because it will cause severe chaos
among the people," said Lopa.

Lopa warned that the nation could be pushed to the brink of
conflict, especially between supporters and opponents of the
President.

The is the second time the Cabinet has conveyed a similar
message in as many days.

On Friday Lopa made an unsuccessful plea to House leaders not
to issue the second memorandum of censure against the President
also citing fears of unrest.

The request is seen as a last ditch attempt before the House
convenes on Monday to issue what is expected to be the second
memorandum of censure.

Coordinating Minister for Social, Political and Security
Affairs Gen. (ret.) Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono chaired Saturday's
hastily convened Cabinet meeting.

Abdurrahman was not present as he was visiting East Java.

Vice President Megawati Soekarnoputri was also absent
following her purported bout of the flu.

"She is still sick and needs to rest," Vice Presidential
Secretary Bambang Kesowo remarked.

There has been speculation that Megawati is politically
distancing herself from the Cabinet, with her flu providing a
convenient alibi for her absence at such a critical juncture.

During the briefing Lopa seemed annoyed by journalists who
questioned whether Megawati supported the Cabinet's decision.

"If you don't trust me please ask her secretary (Bambang) who
was also present in our meeting".

Marsilam said the results of the Cabinet meeting would be
discussed with the President and Vice President, though he did
not explain who would convey the message to Megawati.

Marsilam also hinted that the government would launch a
massive campaign to oppose a possible special Assembly session
which could impeach the President. However he did not elaborate
further.

"What is also important is to conduct a wider popularization
of the Cabinet's appeal not to continue the second memorandum, or
that it does not need to be followed up by a special session to
hold the President's accountable," said Marsilam.

Separately, Minister of Industry and Trade Lt. Gen. (ret.)
Luhut Panjaitan said the supply of basic necessities had not been
affected by the current political turmoil, claiming that stocks
were sufficient for two months.

Coordinating Minister for the Economy Rizal Ramli, however,
warned that the country's economy would collapse if the current
uncertainty was not quickly resolved.

"We hope everyone will understand the seriousness of the
situation," said Rizal after the Cabinet meeting. (prb)