Indonesia's Wahid rejects sharing power

In the Madurese genocide, Megawati (L) was seen more like a president than Wahid

JAKARTA, Indonesia -- Indonesian President Abdurrahman Wahid has rejected as unconstitutional a proposal for him to hand over the day-to-day running of the government to his deputy.

His latest comments add to confusion surrounding a plan put forward by the head of the country's second largest party to end political brawling in the country.

"I refuse to compromise on such principles as the 1945 constitutional law," official Antara news agency quoted Wahid saying.

On Saturday a spokesman quoted Wahid as saying he would accept giving more power to Vice President Megawati Sukarnoputri if the constitution was amended to allow this.

Wahid ally-turned-enemy Akbar Tandjung, the parliamentary speaker and Golkar party chief, had proposed the power-sharing deal which would make Wahid the titular head of state and Megawati the head of government.

Pressure is mounting on Wahid after he rejected a parliamentary censure over two graft scandals last week. The censure could ultimately lead to his impeachment later this year.

His enemies accuse him of erratic leadership and failing to make any real progress in dragging Indonesia out of almost four years of social and economic chaos or ending communal violence that has killed thousands.

The frail, half-blind Muslim cleric's health is also an issue, with some critics saying he is not up to the physical demands of leading the world's fourth most populous nation.

Megawati, daughter of Indonesia's founding father Sukarno, is adored by the masses and increasingly regarded by members of parliament as a preferable alternative to Wahid.

She has remained silent during the current crisis and has not commented on Tandjung's proposal.

Although she is believed to want the presidency, Megawati's aides say she will not dirty her hands by joining public efforts to oust her old friend, who slipped past her to grab the top job in late 1999.

Reuters contributed to this report.

Wahid to respond to censure bid
March 23, 2001
Megawati tours striken Indonesian province
March 1, 2001
Wahid supporters launch more protests
Feburary 8, 2001

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