August 13, 2002	Tuesday	Jamadi-us-Saani 3, 1423

JAKARTA, Aug 12: Indonesian doctors assigned to examine whether former president Suharto is fit to stand trial for graft said on Monday the 81-year old couldn’t speak properly and his memory was failing.

The findings are likely to further thwart efforts to bring the ailing ex-general to court over allegations he embezzled millions of dollars of state money during his 32-year rule.

“His physique is more stable than it was in 2000 and 2001 but his linguistic function is still hampered...he can’t answer more than four words and often utters nonsensical remarks,” said Akmal Taher, head of the medical team that checked Suharto’s health two months ago.

“There’s slight improve-ment in naming things but the memory ability is problema-tical,” he told a news conference.

Prosecutors, who have been trying to bring Suharto to court since 2000, assigned a team of more than 12 doctors to establish whether he was well enough to stand trial. Since leaving office Suharto has suffered several strokes and other illnesses, and has never stood trial.—Reuters