In Conversation Special
with Indonesian President Abdurrahman Wahid
Telecast Date: 5 April 2001
Producer: Haseenah Koyakutty

Editor's Note:
This is an unedited transcript of the interview.

Indonesia's President Abdurrahman Wahid assumed office in October 1999 as the first democratically-elected President eventhough his party, the National
Awakening Party or PKB came in fourth in the polls.

The President has had a turbulent year in office. He courts controversy as frequently as his overseas travels.

At that time, legislators were not keen on Vice-President Megawati Sukarnopoutri whose PDIP party was the winner in the national Election.

Almost one-and-a-half years later, the same lawmakers whom the President once likened to kindergarten kids, want to oust him. His leadership style and governance have become key issues. Indonesia's 1945 Constitution stipulates clearly a Presidential system of Governance and does not entertain power-sharing concepts.

In February this year, the majority in the House, including the Military voted unanimously against the President and the House issued Mr Abdurrahman his first Presidential censure for alleged corruption.

The President has denied all charges and has outrightly rejected the first censure.

Lawmakers will meet at the end of the month to decide whether or not to issue a second and final censure which would inevitably lead to an Emergency
Parliamentary session. The President risks impeachment.

The next national election is not due until 2004.

The President has had a turbulent year in office. He courts controversy as frequently as his overseas travels. His relations with his deputy and long-time
friend, Mrs Megawati, are, it's believed, at an all-time low.

The President has had two strokes, he cannot see and is diabetic. Lawmakers are expected to debate his health vigorously when they decide his political fate later this month.

Read the interview>>