ID :
19889
Wed, 09/17/2008 - 10:24
Auther :
Shortlink :
http://m.oananews.org//node/19889
The shortlink copeid
Malaysian PM dismisses Anwar's threat to topple govt
Jaishree Balasubramanian
Kuala Lumpur, Sept 16 (PTI) Even as Malaysia's top opposition leader Anwar Ibrahim Tuesday threatened to topple the government, Malaysian premier Abdullah Badawi challenged him to name the MPs who have agreed to defect, saying he was in "command".
Anwar Tuesday claimed that at least 31 members of
parliament had agreed to defect to the opposition alliance,
allowing him to topple the government of Abdullah.
"We have received firm commitments from MPs in excess
of the number required to form a new government," Anwar told
reporters.
"We have enough numbers in excess of 31... It is
increasing by the hour. I am not joking," said Anwar, who was
charged with sodomy. He has dismissed both sodomy accusations
as political conspiracies to thwart his rise. No date has been
set for his trial for the latest sodomy charge.
The embattled Prime Minister, however, underlined that
he is still in command of the government and the country.
"I don't think he (Anwar) has the names. If he does, I
don't think he would wait to inform the people (of the
names)," Abdullah said, adding "I am still in command".
He refused to entertain Anwar's request of a meeting
until the list is made public.
"There is no reason for me to meet him because I don't
think he has the names. He is just getting the people to focus
on him and his political ploy. I do not need to see him," the
Prime Minister stressed.
Sixty-one year old Anwar had said he would topple the
Abdullah government on September 16. Anwar, a member of
parliament from Permatang Pauh, however, refused to reveal the
names of the 31 MPs. He said it was up to Abdullah to agree to
a meeting and its dates.
Malaysia's ruling coalition has been weakened by
dissent against Prime minister Abdullah, who lost much of his
clout after presiding over the government's worst-ever
election results in March.
Charismatic leader Anwar said he had submitted a
letter to Abdullah yesterday where the opposition had made
four demands to ensure a smooth transition, including that the
ruling Barisan alliance should not hinder or prevent the MPs
from acting in accordance with their conscience,
constitutional rights and independent judgement.
Meanwhile, law minister Zaid Ibrahim, who resigned
this morning from the Abdullah cabinet, said he was quitting
because he had "failed."
Zaid said he constantly met "a brick wall" from his
Cabinet colleagues and party members on many of his
suggestions for reform. The last straw that broke his back was
the arrest of three civilians under the Internal Security Act
last Friday. PTI JB
ASJ
NNNN
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Kuala Lumpur, Sept 16 (PTI) Even as Malaysia's top opposition leader Anwar Ibrahim Tuesday threatened to topple the government, Malaysian premier Abdullah Badawi challenged him to name the MPs who have agreed to defect, saying he was in "command".
Anwar Tuesday claimed that at least 31 members of
parliament had agreed to defect to the opposition alliance,
allowing him to topple the government of Abdullah.
"We have received firm commitments from MPs in excess
of the number required to form a new government," Anwar told
reporters.
"We have enough numbers in excess of 31... It is
increasing by the hour. I am not joking," said Anwar, who was
charged with sodomy. He has dismissed both sodomy accusations
as political conspiracies to thwart his rise. No date has been
set for his trial for the latest sodomy charge.
The embattled Prime Minister, however, underlined that
he is still in command of the government and the country.
"I don't think he (Anwar) has the names. If he does, I
don't think he would wait to inform the people (of the
names)," Abdullah said, adding "I am still in command".
He refused to entertain Anwar's request of a meeting
until the list is made public.
"There is no reason for me to meet him because I don't
think he has the names. He is just getting the people to focus
on him and his political ploy. I do not need to see him," the
Prime Minister stressed.
Sixty-one year old Anwar had said he would topple the
Abdullah government on September 16. Anwar, a member of
parliament from Permatang Pauh, however, refused to reveal the
names of the 31 MPs. He said it was up to Abdullah to agree to
a meeting and its dates.
Malaysia's ruling coalition has been weakened by
dissent against Prime minister Abdullah, who lost much of his
clout after presiding over the government's worst-ever
election results in March.
Charismatic leader Anwar said he had submitted a
letter to Abdullah yesterday where the opposition had made
four demands to ensure a smooth transition, including that the
ruling Barisan alliance should not hinder or prevent the MPs
from acting in accordance with their conscience,
constitutional rights and independent judgement.
Meanwhile, law minister Zaid Ibrahim, who resigned
this morning from the Abdullah cabinet, said he was quitting
because he had "failed."
Zaid said he constantly met "a brick wall" from his
Cabinet colleagues and party members on many of his
suggestions for reform. The last straw that broke his back was
the arrest of three civilians under the Internal Security Act
last Friday. PTI JB
ASJ
NNNN
The information contained in this electronic message and any attachments to this
message are intended for the exclusive use of the addressee(s) and may contain
proprietary, confidential or privileged information. If you are not the intended
recipient, you should not disseminate, distribute or copy this e-mail. Please notify
the sender immediately and destroy all copies of this message and any attachments
contained in it.
