President Habibie ready for accountability speech

JAKARTA (JP): President B.J. Habibie said on Monday he was confident and fully prepared to deliver his accountability speech to the People's Consultative Assembly (MPR) on Oct.14.

The President claimed that he already finished the report which outlines what he achieved during his one year as President.

"It is not a problem," he remarked.

"I've been prepared, there is no problem at all," he confidently remarked during an impromptu meeting with journalists.

In a meeting with senior editors on Friday, the President hinted he would be able to defend and account for his presidency, including high profile issues such as East Timor, the Bank Bali scandal and alleged practices of corruption, collusion and nepotism by former president Soeharto.

The three issues are widely held to be the most sensitive aspects Habibie has to negotiate through his accountability address.

Habibie said on Monday he was pleased at the election process of the Assembly chairman, which was won by Amien Rais, adding that he was not surprised at Amien's victory.

"I am very grateful because our democracy ran well," said Habibie.

The media's tete-a-tete with the President occurred by chance as journalists were waiting at Merdeka Palace to talk to Minister of Justice/State Secretary Muladi.

Habibie, never known to shy away from a conversation or the media, greeted journalists despite an overzealous adjutant and Palace photographer who tried to push journalists away from the President.

"No, let them talk to me," Habibie barked at them.

Habibie also ignored attempts by the part-time photographer who tried to signal the President not to answer any more questions. (prb)