Indonesia's defence minister today warned the military could seize power if political leaders did not end their bickering and focus on running the country.
The often outspoken Mr Mahfud said there were no signs yet of a military takeover but the armed forces (TNI) would step in to prevent anarchy and the break-up of the world's fourth-largest nation.
Meanwhile, an Indonesian parliamentary commission investigating two corruption scandals linked to President Abdurrahman Wahid has concluded he probably had a role in one and gave false testimony in the other.
Parliament, due to announce its response on Thursday, is likely to reprimand the president but is expected to hold off formal impeachment proceedings, for now.
The first scandal, dubbed Buloggate, involves the theft of £3.5m from the state commodities regulator Bulog by people claiming to be acting on President Wahid's behalf, including his masseur.
The second, Bruneigate, involves Mr Wahid's acceptance outside government channels of a £1.7m donation from the Sultan of Brunei for aid for troubled Aceh province.
Mr Wahid denies any wrongdoing.
Reuters