Habibie writing political book

The Jakarta Post ,  Jakarta   |  Thu, 03/23/2006 8:42 AM

JAKARTA: Former president B.J. Habibie says he is writing a book about the country's political turmoil from 1998-1999, which ended in a vote of no confidence in him by the People's Consultative Assembly.

The rejection of Habibie's presidential accountability report meant the handpicked successor of Soeharto was unable to contest the 1999 general elections.

Habibie told a meeting with lawmakers here Wednesday he was still completing the 500-page book, Jejak-Jejak yang Menentukan, (Determining Footsteps).

""People say that Habibie is a reactive person. That's not true. There is always a cost for every change. There is no free lunch,"" he said.

Habibie said the book would also clarify his controversial decision that led to the separation of East Timor from Indonesia, his relations with Soeharto and other events in his days in power.

The book is expected to be published on Aug. 10 by the Habibie Center to mark National Technology Day. --JP

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