Pubdate: Thu, 25 Apr 2002
Source: Straits Times (Singapore)
Copyright: 2002 Singapore Press Holdings Ltd.
Contact:  http://straitstimes.asia1.com.sg/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/429
Author: Jason Leow

MEGA ORDERS DRUGS TESTS FOR HER PARTY LEADERS

JAKARTA - An executive-committee meeting of President Megawati 
Sukarnoputri's Indonesian Democratic Party-Struggle (PDI-P) began with 
party leaders taking a urine test.

''This is part of the PDI-P's commitment to combating the use of drugs,'' 
deputy secretary-general Pramono Anung said after the party's weekly 
meeting on Tuesday.

The order for the tests came from Ms Megawati, who is the party chairman.

She was exempted because, according to protocol, examination of the 
President of Indonesia can be undertaken only by presidential doctors.

But the privately-run SCTV television station reported that the Indonesian 
leader, her husband and family members underwent urine tests on Friday.

Among the executives who stood in line on Tuesday were secretary- general 
Sutjipto and deputy chairman Kwik Kian Gie.

Similar tests for party executives in branches nationwide are expected.

Mr Pramono said any party member who tested positive for drugs would be 
expelled immediately. -- The Jakarta Post/Asia News Network
- ---
MAP posted-by: Larry Stevens