MPR to Discuss Suharto's Case
Wednesday, 10 May, 2006 | 17:06 WIB

TEMPO Interactive, Jakarta: Deputy Chief of People's Consultative Assembly (MPR), A.M. Fatwa, has requested that matter case of former President Suharto be settled at this time.

“The matter mustn't be left floating,” he said after paying a visit to Suharto at Pertamina Central Hospital, yesterday night (9/5).

Fatwa went on to say that said there will be a meeting of MPR leaders on Wednesday (10/5) this week.

“I will propose this at the meeting,” he said.

According to Fatwa, President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono must intervene so that this matter is completed legally and politically.

“The President must first hear input from the Supreme Court',” said this former political activist who was arrested during Suharto era.

He explained that the political matter regarding Suharto cannot be solved by canceling the decision of the People’s Consultative Assembly (MPR).

“If a Special Session is held to cancel Decision XI/1998, the political effect will become even bigger,” said Fatwa.

He also said, that currently all parties have in fact intended to close the case regarding Soeharto.

“But closing it is not as simple as that,” he said.
On the other hand, if this problem continues, it will become a national disgrace.

Fatwa went to see Suharto who waved at him.
He could only see Suharto from outside the care unit, two meters away from him.

“Mr. Suharto opened his eyes and looked at me. He nodded, smiled and waved his hand, then he closed his eyes again,” he said.

Suharto's lawyer, Juan Felix Tampubolon, criticized parties that doubt his client's health condition.
“This could trigger a politicized assumption regarding somebody's medical condition,” he said.

Juan is of the opinion that all the investigations carried out have concluded Suharto is unable to be tried.

“If somebody wants to know his health, there are his medical records. Regarding the idea that Suharto's family of requesting amnesty for the President, this is impossible. There is no verdict yet.”

Yophiandi