Wahid hits back with probe into top foes

JAKARTA - Indonesian President Abdurrahman Wahid, facing imminent impeachment, has authorised state prosecutors to investigate two of his most powerful political foes.

Deputy Attorney General for Special Crimes Bachtiar Fachry Nasution said Wahid had authorised questioning of House Speaker Akbar Tandjung and the parliamentary leader of the Indonesian Democratic Party-Struggle (PDI-P), Arifin Panigoro.

"We received the letters of permission to investigate those legislators last night," he said.

PDI-P is headed by Wahid's increasingly estranged vice-president, Megawati Sukarnoputri, who would replace the Muslim cleric if the legislature decides to throw him out of office after impeachment hearings due to start on August 1.

Tandjung and Panigoro have been key figures in pushing for a special session of the People's Consultative Assembly (MPR) for impeachment hearings against Wahid over two financial scandals and his stumbling 20-month rule.

Tandjung is head of the former ruling Golkar Party, the country's second largest.

Under Indonesian law, prosecutors need the president's approval before questioning legislators.

Tandjung has been linked to a graft case involving the alleged misuse of state funds by his party.

"I do not know what the connection is between me and the case," he said. "I don't even know what the case is about."

Wealthy businessman Panigoro's case involves allegations of graft at his oil company Medco.

- REUTERS

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