Farewell to Asia’s greatest kleptocrat
2 February 2008
Eric Ellis says the death of Indonesia’s former dictator may spur attempts to recover the loot accumulated by his family
The strangest moment of the elongated théâtre de mort of the billionaire Indonesian dictator Suharto came islands apart on the day after the old crook died.
In Central Java, the remains of the despot the United Nations last year declared to be the 20th century’s biggest thief were interred in his family’s crypt in a funeral that blended Javanese mysticism with the pomp of state. Indonesia’s elite attended in mourning dress, uniform or ceremonial sarong. Foreign ambassadors and head of state bowed in reverence, following the hypocritical lead set by Singapore’s Lee Kuan Yew: the Asian statesman acclaimed for his aversion to corruption had earlier rushed to honour his dying neighbour, who stole more than $1 billion for each of his 32 years in power of one of the world’s poorest countries. New Zealand’s doughty Helen Clark stood apart, staying home and refusing to sign a condolence book.
More articles from: Eric Ellis | this section
Post this entry to: del.icio.us | Digg | Newsvine | NowPublic | Reddit
Advertisement
The Spectator Business News Update
FTSE ends modestly lower as holiday companies slump
20/11/2009FTSE turns lower midday as holiday companies tumble
20/11/2009 20/11/2009 20/11/2009sponsored links
In this section
City pay is no side issue: it’s an affront to society
Roger BootleKeep on digging: Boris’s route to recovery
Elliot Wilson Martin Vander WeyerFor whom the tolls mean tax-free profits
Neil CollinsThere’s worse to come as we all get older
Ruth Lea
GASCONY
GASCONY, SW France, near Condom-en-Armagnac 13th Century stone house, 21st Century luxury for 12 in 5 en-suites. 50 acres +
BIG SAND STEEL BAND
IF YOU ARE PLANNING A CHAMPAGNE RECEPTION and looking for some light entertainment, you can now hire London's busiest steel
BOSC LEBAT, Tarn et Garonne.
BOSC LEBAT, SW France. Only 45 minutes from Toulouse Airport with daily flights from most provincial airports avoiding the horrors
Spectator Business | Apollo Magazine
Corporate | Advertising | Privacy | Terms
Spectator, 22 Old Queen Street, London, SW1H 9HP
All Articles and Content Copyright ©2009 by The Spectator | All Rights Reserved
Be the first to comment on this article!
Back to top