Anwar Ibrahim claims more than 31 Barisan MPs will cross over to Pakatan. Prime Minister Abdullah wants the Opposition Leader to make public the names
Prime Minister Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi has described Opposition leader Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim’s claims of having enough numbers of Barisan Nasional MPs to form a Government as a mirage and a dream.
Abdullah also threw a challenge to Anwar to reveal the names of the Barisan MPs that had agreed to support him.
“I don’t think he has the names. If he does, I don’t think he would wait to inform the people (of the names).
“If he has the names, he can reveal it and let all Malaysians know. They want to know because the people voted them as MPs and they want to know whether the MPs are running away, doing something else or joining another party,” he said.
He told this to reporters after handing out Hari Raya Aidilfitri aid to the poor and students at Kepala Batas in Penang on Tuesday.
When asked if he would entertain Anwar’s request to have a meeting to ensure a smooth and peaceful transition of power, Abdullah rejected the idea.
“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,” he reiterated.
He also scoffed at Anwar’s suggestion that Barisan MPs would be detained under the Internal Security Act (ISA) if they crossed over to Pakatan Rakyat.
“How can he suggest that? It is crazy that I would arrest and put these people under ISA simply because of their decision (to crossover).
“No such thing. It is just to portray me as using force and as a dictator,” said Abdullah.
The Prime Minister also denied receiving a letter from Anwar about a smooth transition of power.
“He sent me a letter about current issues in the country. That is a different matter and should not be lumped together (with the letter of smooth transition),” he said.
Earlier in Putrajaya, Abdullah said he did not feel pressured by Anwar’s threat.
“Pressured? Why should I be pressured, this is Anwar’s mirage, he sees something but it is nothing, there is nothing there, it is only a dream,” he told reporter after meeting with secretaries-general of ministries at his office.
Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak also attended the meeting.
Stating that he has known Anwar and his style for a very long time, Abdullah added that when Anwar wants to make known something, he would ensure there are many people gathered to hear it.
“That is his behaviour and later the whole world would know his message. You think he will be requesting me to discuss? He will storm into my room with hundreds of people screaming ‘victory’ behind him,” he said.
Abdullah said he was sure that the date of takeover would be constantly changed until there was actually nothing in the end.
“After this, he will think of another date and then another date; that is “Sang Anwar” in this case.
“At the end what is left is nothing, we will continue to be fascinated (with all these),” he said, adding that the public should not be worried with all the threats and promises made by Anwar.
The Star Tuesday September 16, 2008 MYT 9:55:12 PM
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