Anwar to Abdullah : I have slight majority now, handover peacefully!

Press statement of Mr. Anwar:

Sept 16 press statement in full

Sep 16, 08 3:40pm

The following is the statement given by Opposition Leader Anwar Ibrahim at a 2pm press conference at the PKR headquarters in Petaling Jaya today. MCPX Today, Malaysians celebrate Malaysia Day - the day our country became whole and our people become united. This day has a new meaning. After years of struggle, after fighting against a system that is corrupt and unjust - we affirm that victory is finally at hand. Our vision of rebuilding this country and bringing its people together, as the founding fathers envisioned, is within reach. The economy is in turmoil with runaway inflation and joblessness creating widespread discontent. Racial tensions have been rising, exacerbated by the propaganda spread in the government owned mainstream media. The administration has offered no vision to steer the nation out of this quagmire and there is manifest erosion in confidence in the current government. We in Pakatan Rakyat believe we can save Malaysia from economic ruin and the dangerous politics of racism. We will do so prudently, legally and in doing so we will not jeopardise the security and stability of the country and the safety of its people. We have received firm commitments from members of parliament in excess of the number required to form a new government, and our government will reflect the diverse make-up of Malaysian society. It has been our concern to ensure a peaceful transition of power. We do not wish to see a repeat of what transpired in the Selangor and Perak state governments, where following the victory of Pakatan Rakyat on March 8, documents were shredded and removed by the outgoing administration. We furthermore advise radical elements within BN against the abuse of state power to unlawfully harass and detain our supporters.The immediate investigation by the ACA (Anti-Corruption Agency) of Yong Teck Lee after the announcement by SAPP (Sabah Progressive Party) of its intention to move a motion of no-confidence against Abdullah Ahmad Badawi is another example of the tactics we reject. The use of the ISA, as has happened to MP Teresa Kok, would be an unlawful impediment to the transition process. In light these serious concerns, yesterday leaders of Pakatan Rakyat sent a letter to the prime minister at 2.30pm requesting a meeting to discuss the future course of the nation's leadership and to seek his assurance on the following important matters: 1) That the BN shall not hinder or prevent their BN MPs from acting in accordance with their conscience, constitutional rights and independent judgment; 2) That the BN government shall not invoke the Internal Security Act to detain any of the MPs who will join Pakatan Rakyat, or any of the present 82 Pakatan Rakyat MPs; 3) That the BN government shall not invoke emergency or police powers, or suspend the constitution, or dissolve parliament in response to our intention to form a new government; 4) That the Barisan Nasional government shall not impose roadblocks and impede the MPs from gaining access to the House of Parliament and the institutions of government. We believe the prime minister will share Pakatan Rakyat's concerns for the welfare of the people and security of the nation. We are confident he will ensure the BN will act constitutionally and democratically to ensure that the transition will be peaceful, and there will be no actions taken to sabotage the wishes of the people or play on racial tensions in the country. We appeal to all quarters in Malaysian society to understand our intentions are for the betterment of Malaysian society. The mainstream media, in particular, should accept the reality of these historic times and report fairly, accurately and without bias. The irresponsible tact that is used by the media to obfuscate issues, attack opposition supporters and instigate racial tensions must end immediately. Following our meeting with the prime minister, we intend to proceed within the framework established by the federal constitution in the formation of a new government, with the assent of the Yang di-Pertuan Agong. ANWAR IBRAHIM Opposition Leader De facto PKR leader

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Anwar: We've more than 31 defectors

Abdul Hakim Bujang | Sep 16, 08 2:40pm

Opposition Leader Anwar Ibrahim said today he had signed up more than 31 defectors needed to form a new government and called on Prime Minister Abdullah Ahmad Badawi not to implement emergency rule to thwart a takeover. MCPX "We have a slight majority, it is in excess of 31," he told a packed press conference held at 2pm in the PKR headquarters in Petaling Jaya.Anwar, however, did not reveal the names of the lawmakers. His Pakatan Rakyat alliance - made up of the PKR, DAP and PAS - now holds 81 out of the 222 seats in Parliament. Its rival, the Barisan Nasional coalition led by Abdullah's Umno party, currently has the majority. To overthrow the Barisan, Pakatan would need another 31 members of parliament to join its camp for it to hit the minimum simple majority required of 112 seats. The 61-year old Anwar, who has been in talks with a number of disgruntled backbenchers, also said he wants Abdullah's assurance the power transition could proceed smoothly. Peaceful transition Abdullah had last week shocked the nation by arresting three civilians under the country's draconian Internal Security Act, which allows for police detention without trial. The move, which sparked widespread condemnation, was seen as a means to shore up his political standing within his Umno party and also as a warning to Anwar's Pakatan. “We want a peaceful transition. We hope that Barisan (Nasional) will not put up emergency rule to stop MPs from going to Parliament or arrest (government) MPs or stop them from joining Pakatan Rakyat,” he said. "That's why we have taken a very soft, conciliatory option. I am not making excuses. We have the numbers. We can and are prepared to move. If after a few days there is no response, Pakatan leaders will meet and see what is the next course of action." The Pakatan had yesterday sent a letter to Abdullah, requesting for a meeting. "We give the PM time to consult and act responsibly as head of the country to heed the wishes of the people," Anwar said. "I believe he will meet and we will have to wait today or tomorrow. He is a politician under siege, so you can forgive him for sounding desperate." "We are looking at a matter of days (for a change in government)," he added. According to Malaysian law, the king has the right to accept and formalise any new government that can show proof of sufficient mandate in Parliament. This means that Anwar can approach the monarch with proof that he has the support of enough MPs to be the new leader. Alternatively, the king could order fresh general elections, provided the prime minister - either outgoing or incoming - recommends it. [More to follow]

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