Surviving censure

Surviving censure

Even to his dwindling band of supporters, Indonesian President
Abdurrahman Wahid must appear the architect of his own
misfortune. If he had done what was expected when he took office,
he might have been watching his accusers facing corruption
charges of far greater magnitude than the US$6 million scandal in
which he has been implicated.

But Mr. Wahid is a wily political strategist with three long
months to respond to the memorandum issued following Thursday's
parliamentary censure motion. In keeping with his self-confident
-- some say arrogant -- style, he has refused to resign. Having
denied the allegations, calling the committee illegal, he may
seek redemption by turning the spotlight on opponents with long-
overdue investigations into their nefarious activities.

Two things remain to sustain him: what he represents as leader
of pro-democracy reformists during the Suharto era plus desire
throughout Indonesia to avoid further chaos. Thus far, the
constitutional process has been followed. But Mr. Wahid's erratic
leadership, frequent trips abroad and failure to justify the hope
that brought him to power leaves him seriously weakened. If he
survives the crisis, he will have to unite the country by
building a working relationship with the legislature. Above all,
he must convince a disenchanted public he can make good on his
pledges.

-- The South China Morning Post, Hong Kong