MEGABITCH

A few weeks ago I said some nice things about Indonesia's former president Megawati Sukarnoputri. I take it all back.

As well as failing to show up at her successor's inauguration, make an official concession speech, or congratulate her opponent, she has decided to mark her exit by stealing from the public purse:

INDONESIA'S outgoing President Megawati Sukarnoputri spent her last day in office yesterday signing last-minute Bills. But though she is leaving the top job, she will take many perks with her.

She gets to stay in an official residence, thanks to a controversial decree she signed during her final days guaranteeing up to US$2.2 million for the housing of former presidents.

The decree replaced a similar law from 1978, which was strongly criticised because it benefited former dictator Suharto, who was forced to step down in 1998 amid widespread civil unrest.

Under the new law, Ms Megawati, who already owns a house in South Jakarta, can continue to occupy another residence in an upmarket suburb of the capital where she lived during her reign, with bills footed the taxpayer.

Bitch.