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CNN World Report

Indonesian President Faces Uncertain Political Future

Aired May 27, 2001 - 14:03   ET

THIS IS A RUSH TRANSCRIPT. THIS COPY MAY NOT BE IN ITS FINAL FORM AND MAY BE UPDATED.

THIS IS A RUSH TRANSCRIPT. THIS COPY MAY NOT BE IN ITS FINAL FORM AND MAY BE UPDATED.
SHIHAB RATTANSI, CNN ANCHOR: We begin, thought, in Indonesia, where the political future us hanging in the balance for President Abdurrahman Wahid. The embattled president is struggling to hold onto power following two censures by parliament. The grievances were triggered by corruption scandals, which are likely to lead to an impeachment hearing.

As Indonesia's RCTI reports, some opponents and even some doctors say Mr. Wahid's physical and mental health are as unstable as his presidency.

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UNIDENTIFIED RCTI REPORTER (voice-over): President Abdurrahman Wahid seems as undisturbed by developments at parliament, which looks to enact impeachment proceedings if he fails to address the House's grievances by May 30th. Mr. Wahid's supporters have continued to lobby for a political compromise, even if that means ceding more power to Vice President Megawati Sukarnoputri.

The president's critics say this may be the absolutely last resort, short of impeachment, but President Wahid himself has indicated that he may not be interested in relinquishing any more authority.

PRESIDENT ABDURRAHMAN WAHID, INDONESIA: More power what? I would like to ask you what? Why? Because I have given everything to her, you see, obligation. I gave her the obligation to preside over the Cabinet, to take over the everyday, you see, the everyday working of the government except for the two things. That's the appointment as well as the basic appliance of government policies, only that.

UNIDENTIFIED RCTI REPORTER: Mr. Wahid states his firm belief that the vice president is behind him. This is despite the fact that Mrs. Megawati's Indonesian Democratic Party of Struggle was a key proponent of both censure motions, which could seal Mr. Wahid's political future.

For now, the president is targeting critics outside parliament for what he says are efforts to undermine his government. Among these critics is a team of doctors who have submitted their assessment of Mr. Wahid's health to lawmakers. These doctors claim from a psychiatric and neurological viewpoint, Mr. Wahid is unstable, which accounts for his bouts of anger and inconsistency. Mr. Wahid's official team of doctors have denied the assessment.

UNIDENTIFIED MALE (through translator): I won't comment on this. I just want to say that doctors should uphold the standards of the medical profession and base their judgements on direct examination.

UNIDENTIFIED RCTI REPORTER: Doctor Wahid, who is also the president's younger brother, says that only by direct examination can a doctor diagnose an individual. President Wahid has indicated legal action against the four doctors over allegations of defamation. It seems that increasingly embattled president is prepared to fight tooth and nail against any attempts to unseat him, whether on medical or political grounds.

This is RCTI Jakarta, for the CNN WORLD REPORT.

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