Former Indonesian President Suharto has been named as a suspect in a corruption investigation.

The attorney-general's office is examining allegations that millions of dollars were misused by seven charitable foundations set up by him during his 32 years in power.

Mr Suharto has been summoned for questioning on Monday.

He could also be asked about a failed national car project and about monopolies controlling Indonesia's lucrative clove and fruit industries, which were run by his family.

Poor health

However, Mr Suharto's lawyers said he had been weakened by a series of strokes and would be unable to answer questions.

His family feared the ordeal might kill him, they said.

Earlier, a spokesman for the attorney-general's office said he believed Mr Suharto would turn up on Monday for questioning.

"We have looked at the state of Suharto's health, and it seems to be improving," the spokesman said.

In a separate development last month, Indonesia's current president, Abdurrahman Wahid, asked Switzerland to help trace billions of dollars allegedly transferred by Mr Suharto to Swiss banks.

Technical move

The former president has denied any wrongdoing.

This is the first time he has formally been declared a suspect in connection with corruption allegations.

The move is a technical procedure that represents a stepping up of the investigation against him.

Mr Suharto was forced to quit in May 1998 amid mass anti-government protests and a deep economic and social crisis.

Investigations

After he stepped down, a corruption probe was launched against him.

He was subsequently questioned several times.

That investigation was abandoned last year after government lawyers said there was not enough evidence to bring charges.

The probe was reopened soon after President Wahid took office in October.

Mr Wahid has already said he will pardon Mr Suharto if the former leader repents and returns the money he is alleged to have amassed.