Indonesia's vice president stands by Wahid

Indonesian President Abdurrahman Wahid's spokesman yesterday said the leader had the full support of his deputy, who would join him in responding to a parliamentary censure over two graft scandals.

Vice President Megawati Sukarnoputri, whose support is vital for Wahid to survive his latest battle with parliament, has been silent since Thursday's censure, but Wahid's chief spokesman Wimar Witoelar said she remained loyal.

"Yes, she was there," Witoelar said after a Cabinet meeting. "She chaired the meeting and they plan together to respond to the ... [rebuke] from parliament."

The special Cabinet meeting was called to discuss the censure -- which could trigger Wahid's eventual impeachment -- and recent political and security developments.

"Also discussed was the need for Cabinet to build a solid image in the eyes of the people," Witoelar added.

Megawati is not linked to either of the scandals.

Witoelar said Wahid also retained the support of the majority of Indonesians, although recent polls suggest otherwise. One puts public opposition to Wahid's rule at more than 60 percent.

"The president does not feel pressure from the public, but he feels intense support," Witoelar said.

But Wahid's credibility was dealt another blow yesterday when his Administrative Reform Minister, Ryaas Rasyid, quit over a dispute about the technical details of how to implement sensitive and controversial devolution of political and economic power to the country's restive regions.

After rejecting a similar move by Ryaas a month ago, Wahid accepted his resignation, which is not related to the censure.

Ryaas himself has said he did not expect more resignations.

Witoelar said the government would set up a joint political-legal team to draft a response to parliament over the censure, which was approved overwhelmingly by the 500-seat House.

Wahid has three months to respond. If parliament is unhappy, it can issue a second warning.

After another month it can seek a special session of the top legislature to consider impeachment. Calls for Wahid to quit or stand aside pending investigations into the multi-million dollar scandals are mounting.

The head of the top legislative body, the People's Consultative Assembly, wants a special session convened immediately to consider sacking Wahid, local media reported on Friday.