Indonesian Attorney-General Andi Ghalib admitted yesterday that the leaked tape of a phone conversation between himself and President BJ Habibie is genuine, retracting his earlier assertion that the conversation never took place.

"Yes, the voice on the tape is mine," he said in Parliament. Mr Ghalib said he only heard a copy of the tape, and thus couldn't confirm if the original was genuine.

Dr Habibie was caught on tape urging Mr Ghalib to softpedal the ongoing investigation of former president Suharto for corruption, and demanding judicial pressure on businessmen Sofyan Wanandi and Arifin Panigoro.

The two businessmen funding the pro-democracy reform movement were accused by the government of corruption.

Mr Suharto ruled Indonesia with an iron first for 32 years. His family is said to have amassed a fortune running into billions during those years. Mr Suharto was toppled amid mass protests last May. The leaked tape has confirmed the perception that Dr Habibie, one of Mr Suharto's oldest friends, isn't serious about pursuing corruption charges against his mentor.

It also intensified calls for Mr Ghalib to resign, and damaged Dr Habibie's chances of becoming the ruling Golkar party's next presidential candidate.