Indonesia's embattled President Abdurrahman Wahid yesterday appealed for calm amongst his supporters amidst fears that further violent protests could threaten the county's 15-month-old democracy.
Speaking to followers in Pasuruan in his political heartland of East Java, Mr Wahid asked for patience. "Let's wait until the next election and during the campaign we will disclose all the sins the New Order has made". he said.
His plea came after a week of violent protests against his political enemies determined to oust him from power. Police fired tear gas and shots earlier this week in a bid to curb the growing tension.
The protests started last week after parliament censured President Wahid over his links to two multi-million dollar corruption scandals. The move may lead to impeachment proceedings and an end to his 15-month rule.
Speaking after leading prayers broadcast to thousands of cheering Muslim supporters yesterday, Mr Wahid said the parliamentary committee which reported on the scandals had no legal status. "The work is tardy and its decision unacceptable. I am now preparing the best answer, an answer that will kill," he said.
Meanwhile, the president's grip on power weakened further yesterday when his vice-president - who has been silent on the issue up to now - launched a veiled attack. Ms Megawati Sukarnoputri said the country had sunk to its lowest point since independence from the Dutch in 1945, and she criticised the increasingly violent supporters of Mr Wahid.
"In short, it can be said that we are all in a condition which is the worst since we established this country 56 years ago", she said in a speech in the central Java city of Solo. "I am really concerned - and do not accept - the continuation of these demonstrations that we are witnessing now."
Ms Megawati said the demonstrations had resulted in violence and destruction, which should not happen in a modern democratic state. Her comments underscore the trepidation among Indonesians over the fate of the world's fourth most populous country which commands vital sea lines that provide passage for most of Japan's oil needs.