Suharto health improves slightly

Mr Suharto has always denied the allegations against him

The health of former Indonesian leader Suharto has shown signs of improvement a day after he suffered multiple organ failure, doctors treating him say.

The Pertamina hospital in Jakarta said the 86-year-old's consciousness was increasing, his blood pressure stable and fluids in his stomach reduced.

But he is still on a ventilator and shows signs of infection in his lungs.

Earlier, Indonesia's president cut short a visit to Malaysia because of the deterioration in Suharto's health.

The Indonesian embassy in Kuala Lumpur said Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono had flown home to Jakarta several hours earlier than planned following a three-day official visit.

His deputy, Vice-President Jusuf Kalla, rushed to the hospital where Suharto was being treated on Friday evening after being informed of his condition.

'Last attempt'

Suharto had been in seriously ill for some time before he was admitted to Pertamina hospital a week ago with anaemia and low blood pressure.

When I asked him whether it hurt, he shook his head Dr Marjo Soebiandono Pertamina hospital

After initially responding will to a blood transfusion and kidney dialysis, his condition deteriorated rapidly on Friday and by 1700 (1000 GMT) he had begun to lose consciousness and was having difficulty breathing, the hospital said.

Describing his health as "critical", doctors said the former president was placed on a ventilator after his brain and other organs failed when his blood pressure fell.

The hospital said on Saturday morning, however, that Suharto's condition was "better" and that his consciousness was increasing.

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

"When I asked him whether it hurt, he shook his head," Dr Marjo Soebiandono told a news conference.

Dr Soebiandono added, however, that Suharto remained on a ventilator and showed signs of infection in his lungs. His haemoglobin levels are also falling.

"The team of doctors will continue to make intensive efforts to improve his general condition by giving blood transfusions, medication for his lung infection and balancing the liquids in his body," the doctor said.

Earlier, Indonesian Health Minister Siti Fadilah Supari said she was pessimistic about Suharto's chances of survival and that the ventilator was a "last attempt" to keep him alive. "I don't think it will help," she said.

Relatives at his bedside have been praying and reciting verses from the Koran, family aides have told the Associated Press.

Corruption allegations

Suharto came to power in Indonesia in the aftermath of an abortive coup in 1965 and ruled the archipelago with an iron fist for the following three decades.

His supporters credit him with leading his country from poverty to relative prosperity, making Indonesia a force to be reckoned with in Asia.

Many Indonesians want Suharto to face corruption charges

But this economic growth came at a price - his regime was repressive and he repeatedly ignored demands for political reform. He was also accused of allowing human rights abuses, most notably in East Timor.

Since being overthrown in 1998 amid political upheaval triggered by the Asian financial crisis, Suharto has suffered many health problems, including several strokes.

A criminal case against him for corruption was blocked in 2006 after his lawyers argued that the 86-year-old was too ill to stand trial.

In August, judges began hearing a civil case brought by prosecutors seeking $440m (£224m) they claim disappeared from a state scholarship fund, and $1.1bn (£562m) in damages.

Following the deterioration of Suharto's condition on Friday, the Indonesian Attorney-General, Hendarman Supandji, said he had been instructed by President Yudhoyono to seek an out-of-court settlement.

Suharto and his family have denied any wrongdoing.