PRESIDENT WARNS OF POLITICALLY MOTIVATED MOVEMENT ON DECEMBER 9

Jakarta, Dec 4 (ANTARA) - President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono warned here on Friday of political interests behind a social movement to be launched by certain parties on the occasion of World Anti-Corruption Day on December 9.

Speaking at a cabinet meeting here Friday , he said during the past five years the commemoration had always been used to promote and encourage the fight against corruption but he had heard that this year there would be a social movement with political motives unrelated to the anti-corruption spirit.

"According to the information that I received there will also be a movement for ulterior purposes, namely with political motives which are actually not connected with efforts to fight corruption," he said.

The President said it was not impossible that figures with no track records in fighting corruption in the country would emerge in the event.

"It is not impossible for those I have never seen in the past five years being active in fighting corruption to emerge. Well, they are welcome if they really wish to join the fight against corruption in the country because that would benefit our people," he said.

President Yudhoyono again said that behind massive coverage of the bailout case of former Bank Century there were also political motives which could not be categorized as fulfilling public curiosity.

"I stated this so that you would not be surprised later. My message however is that whatever would happen especially in Jakarta must not disrupt our concentration and tenacity in implementing our main duties to make the development successful and improve the welfare of our people," he said.

He predicted political situation would remain heated one to five weeks ahead but he considered it as something common in a democratic life.

"It is part of freedom expression which is also part of democracy. (It is alright) so long as it would not disrupt stability that would make the government unable to do what it has to do and make the people to suffer," he said.