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)