(AP)
Updated: 2008-01-13 09:53

JAKARTA - Doctors struggling to prolong the life of Indonesia's former president Suharto said he was showing slight signs of improvement after he suffered organ failure and was placed on a ventilator.

Former Indonesian president Suharto appears at his grand-daughter's wedding party in Jakarta in this March 28, 2000 file photo. [Agencies]

"His condition is better," chief presidential doctor Marjo Subiandono said Saturday, adding while Suharto would remain on life support to protect his organs from further damage, antibiotics appeared to be having an effect on his lungs. "He's more aware, responsive."

Another physician, Joko Raharjo, said Suharto, 86, nodded when asked if he was in pain. He fell back asleep after being given a tranquilizer.

Among the stream of visitors at the hospital in recent days was Indonesian Attorney General Hendarman Supanji, who said the government wanted to settle a civil corruption case against Suharto, seeking $1.5 billion (euro1.02 billion) in damages and funds allegedly stolen from the state.

Lawyers representing the former president rejected the proposal and said it was not the proper time to discuss it.

"How we can accept this offer when there is no evidence of corruption?" Otto Cornelis Kaligis told The Associated Press.

Doctors said Friday Suharto had suffered organ failure and placed him on a ventilator after detecting signs of infection in his lungs.

Preparing for the worst, family members and friends rushed to his bedside, some reciting prayers and verses from the Quran.