Jakarta, Indonesia ? Doctors struggling to prolong the life of former dictator Suharto said he was showing slight signs of improvement Saturday, a day after he suffered organ failure and was placed on a ventilator. Asked if he was in pain, the 86-year-old nodded ‘yes’ before drifting back to sleep.

Among the stream of visitors at the hospital in recent days was Indonesian Attorney General Hendarman Supanji, who said the government wanted to settle a civil corruption case against Suharto, seeking $1.5 billion in damages and funds allegedly stolen from the state.

Lawyers representing the former strongman rejected the proposal and said it was not the proper time to discuss it.

“How we can accept this offer when there is no evidence of corruption?” Otto Cornelis Kaligis told The Associated Press.

Suharto, whose 32-year regime was widely regarded as one of the 20th century’s most brutal, was hospitalized in critical condition a week ago with anemia and a low heart rate. He initially responded well to a blood transfusion and kidney dialysis, but his condition sharply deteriorated days later.

Doctors said Friday he had suffered organ failure and placed him on a ventilator after detecting signs of infection in his lungs.

Preparing for the worst, family members and friends rushed to his bedside, some reciting prayers and verses from the Quran. But chief presidential doctor Marjo Subiandono said Saturday there were signs of improvement.

“His condition is better,” he said, adding that while he would remain on life support to protect his organs from further damage, antibiotics appeared to be having an effect on his lungs. “He’s more aware, responsive.”

Another physician, Joko Raharjo, said Suharto nodded when asked if he was pain. He fell back asleep after being given a tranquilizer.