"Almost all of his organs have experienced a decline, especially his heart and lungs," said the head of the team, Marjo Soebiandono.

Mr Suharto, 86, had shown signs of improvement on Saturday, a day after he suffered multiple organ failure.

But the family were told on Sunday that things had got worse, his doctor said.

"This morning there was an urgent action to clear the respiratory tract because signs of blockage of the respiratory tract were found.

"The conclusion is that there is a regression in the function of almost all organs and the condition of Haji Muhammad Suharto is very critical."

Earlier Mr Suharto was visited by Singaporean minister Lee Kuan Yew, a friend and contemporary.

Mr Suharto's three daughters were also present, but the former Indonesian leader was either sleeping or unconscious during the visit, according to officials.

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

Mr Suharto ruled Indonesia with an iron fist for three decades until 1998.

His supporters credit him with leading his country from poverty to relative prosperity, but he is also accused of repression and responsibility for severe human rights abuses.

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

After initially responding will to a blood transfusion and kidney dialysis, his condition deteriorated rapidly on Friday.

(BBC)

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