Jakarta – Criticism against President Abdurrahman 'Gus Dur' Wahid has been relentless since he took office three months ago, but for the first time a political party unabashedly called on him to resign due to his "ailing health."

"If his health seems to take a long time to recover, then it is reasonable for all of us, including the president, vice president, state officials, the political lite, society figures and religious leaders throughout the country to think about a replacement for the president who is physically more capable and suitable," the Islamic Community Party (PUI) said in a statement here on Thursday.

Signed by party chairman Deliar Noer and secretary general Judilherry Justam, the statement said that given the pressing problems "the physical condition of the president cannot be allowed to remain that way." Deliar said the president's physical condition has hampered his duty to handle the problems which urgently need to be solved.

President Abdurrahman's well-known primary physical adversity is his eyesight. However, he also underwent brain surgery two years ago following a stroke.

It is questionable whether PUI's statement will make an impact on the political scene as the party failed to gain a single seat in the House of Representatives and received only 0.25 percent of the total votes in last year's general election.

"The people would thank the president and the government if they would hand the post to a new president before the end of this cabinet's period," Deliar told a news conference.