Suharto has been dogged by ill health in recent years

Mr Suharto, 84, has been suffering from ill health since his forced resignation in 1998 after 32 years in power.

He was indicted for alleged corruption, but in 2000 a court deemed him unfit to stand trial due to a series of strokes.

On Sunday he made a rare public appearance at a wedding, prompting speculation his health had improved.

Reconfirmation

Opposition figures and human rights groups have persistently accused the general of corruption and human rights abuses during his decades in power.

RISE AND FALL OF SUHARTO Born in Java, June 1921 As army minister, plays a central role in helping Sukarno overcome a coup in 1965 Becomes president March 1967 Modernisation programmes in the 70s and 80s raise living standards East Timor forcibly annexed in late 1975 Asian economic crisis of the 1990s hits Indonesian economy Spiralling prices and discontent force him to resign in May 1998 Judges rule he is unfit to stand trial for corruption in 2000

The attorney-general said a team of 20 would be asked to re-examine Mr Suharto.

"Doctors said he suffered permanent [brain] damage, but we need to reconfirm that," said Abdul Rahman Saleh.

He told reporters he might consider unspecified other options if doctors concluded the former president was not well enough to face any proceedings.

There has been no indication as to what - if any - charges the former president might face.

In 2000, judges dismissed a US$600m corruption case on the grounds of ill health.