WHERE TO FIND MALAYSIAN'S MINISTER ?

> > > > > Indonesia Wahid Irks Parliament, Army With Malaysia Jibes

> > JAKARTA -- Indonesia's powerful military and other parliamentary factions > Thursday warned President Abdurrahman Wahid to be more careful when > commenting on other countries now that he's head of state, after Wahid > jokingly jibed at Malaysia.

> > Wahid, who was summoned to parliament to explain his controversial plan to > hold a referendum in the troubled province of Aceh, delivered a wide-ranging > speech in which he referred to that fact that the task for ministers in > Indonesia was becoming easier, claiming they no longer have to distribute > licenses. He said this meant they risked becoming more like the cabinet in > Malaysia.

> > "The (Indonesian) ministers' job currently is easier because they are no > longer distributing licenses and I'm afraid that in the future our cabinet > can be a cabinet like in Malaysia," Wahid said. > > "Finding a minister in Malaysia is very difficult, because they are playing > golf, that's the job of the minister," he said. > > "If you want to find them, find them on the golf course," Wahid said. "So the > business affairs can be conducted on the golf course."

> > Wahid, who is nearly blind, spoke without notes and punctuated his > nationally-televised address with jibes and jokes that received applause and > laughter from lawmakers. > > But his Malaysia comments clearly didn't strike such a cordial note with all. > > Syamsul Muarif, a Golkar legislator, reminded Wahid that he now represents > Indonesia and has to speak as president.

> > Benyamin Balu, a member of the military faction in parliament, asked Wahid to > withdraw his remarks. > > "Although the president said that in a relaxed situation or was joking, > ...(such a statement) can hurt other nations' feelings... We, particularly > Indonesian officials, don't want to be hurt by other countries' opinions," he > said. > > To tumultuous applause, he added, "We advise the President to withdraw his > statement (on Malaysia.)"

> > Wahid, an Islamic cleric, has for years been known for his joking, irreverent > style. He has stoked controversy in Indonesia for speaking off the cuff about > offering a referendum in Aceh and for not consulting parliament.

> > -By Grainne McCarthy; 62 21 3983 1277; gmccarthy@ap.org