Latief denies proposing marriage to starlet

JAKARTA (JP): Minister of Manpower Abdul Latief vehemently denied reports yesterday that he had proposed to starlet Desy Ratnasari, and said he would sue the media which had published slanderous reports.

"It's not true that I proposed to Ms Desy Ratnasari... our relationship is merely one of friendship," Latief said.

He called a special press conference yesterday at the Pasaraya building in South Jakarta, where he demanded the press stop intruding in his personal and private affairs.

"Don't let it be my fate to become another Diana," he said, referring to the British Princess who was constantly hounded by tabloid journalists.

This was the first official statement made by either Latief or Desy about their widely rumored engagement.

Latief had just returned from accompanying two of his sons to the United States where they study.

Reports that the stylish 57-year-old minister and the 24-year- old screen star were engaged have been the talk of the town for weeks.

Latief divorced his first wife, Nursiah, in 1992, a year before he was appointed to the cabinet.

He has four children from his 25-year marriage.

Latief, who is known to be a successful businessman, claimed that he would be very careful about deciding to marry again.

"I'd rather be a widower for a while than get married quickly and having it not last," said the owner of the Pasaraya Department store.

"If and when I get married again, it will be my last marriage," he said.

He then described the qualities he sought in a wife.

He said she must love his children, possess inner beauty and be religious.

"We have a quality life on earth and in the afterlife," he said.

He then called for the media's understanding of his need for privacy in his personal life.

He said that before he decided to get married again, he and his prospective wife would have to be given the opportunity to get acquainted.

"So please, my dear journalists, I really hope that you do not bother us, whoever my potential wife may be, if you see her walking with my family, going to the movies, eating in a restaurant or anything else," he beseeched.

"This is for the privacy of me and my family."

Suit

Latief then said he was disappointed with some of the media reports that had, he said, "gone beyond the limits of acceptability based on the morals and ethics of our country".

"The dignity and respect of my family have been affronted," he said, adding that he felt sorry for Desy and her family who have been also hounded by journalists.

The minister said he would take legal action against the media organizations that had slandered and caused moral damage with their reports.

"I will have to legally sue them," he said without saying which organizations he was referring to.

"My legal council from the Makarim and Tiara law office will follow up with action in accordance with the law," he added.

Despite his threats to sue, Latief looked very relaxed and was very friendly to the large media crowd that had gathered at his invitation.

He thanked them for coming on a Sunday, saying that he did not want to hold a press briefing on a work day because this was a personal matter. (mds)