Suharto has been in and out of hospital in recent years

The 86-year-old was rushed to hospital in the capital, Jakarta, last week in critical condition.

Doctors say he is suffering from anaemia and low blood pressure caused by heart and kidney problems.

Suharto took power in 1966 and ruled Indonesia with an iron fist for a total of 32 years.

He and his family deny reports that they stole billions of dollars while he was in power.

Intensive care

Suharto was taken to hospital on 4 January and given dialysis for kidney problems, which led to some improvement.

RISE AND FALL OF SUHARTO Born in Java, June 1921 Comes to power in 1965 after alleged Communist coup attempt Formally replaces Sukarno as president in March 1967 Modernisation programmes in the 70s and 80s raise living standards East Timor invaded 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 Transparency International says he tops the world all-time corruption table in March 2004 Life in pictures

But Mardjo Soebiandono, head of the medical team treating the former leader, said he had deteriorated again.

"He is worse than yesterday... he will need to remain in intensive care so he can be closely monitored," he said.

"More fluid infiltrated his lungs and some blood was seen in his faeces and urine that prompted his haemoglobin to drop," he said.

Doctors have said that he needs a second pacemaker operation but that he is not well enough to undergo the surgery.

Suharto has lived quietly in Jakarta since being overthrown in 1998 amid political upheaval triggered by the Asian financial crisis.

But although accused of embezzling huge sums from state funds during his three decades in power, his lawyers have always successfully pleaded that his failing health meant he should not stand trial.