June 17, 2008
The opposition said that two political parties were considering defecting from the ruling coalition, which was hammered in March elections, to help it form a government.
The defection of one of the component parties in the Barisan Nasional coalition would be a major blow for Prime Minister Abdullah Ahmad Badawi who has been fending off calls for his resignation since the polls.
Members of MCA and the Sabah Progressive Party (SAPP) however dismissed opposition leader Anwar Ibrahim’s comments that they were on the verge of switching sides.
But Azmin Ali, vice-president of Anwar’s PKR, said negotiations with the two parties were progressing well, and that there were also talks with lawmakers from the ruling UMNO.
Meetings held with Umno MPs too
“There’s a strong possibility, and the discussion is still on-going, not only with MCA but also with UMNO and other components of Barisan National,” he said.
“We’ve had a series of meetings with UMNO lawmakers. There’s no way we will form any coalition with Umno as a party, but we are more than happy to welcome any Umno MPs who are willing to support the cause.”
Azmin would not say how many UMNO lawmakers were interested in defecting, but he said the opposition already has the numbers to form a government though it wanted more time to ensure a smooth transition.
“It’s going to be very soon, but certainly we need some time,” he said, adding that the transition could be sooner than Anwar’s stated deadline of mid-September.
Azmin said a recent 41 percent fuel price hike, which has triggered public anger and protests, had heaped further pressure on Abdullah by showing he could not manage the economy.
Denials predictable, says Azmin
MCA secretary-general Ong Ka Chuan, whose party’s fortunes plummeted in the general elections that saw the opposition claim a third of parliamentary seats, dismissed the claims as “preposterous and absolutely false.”
“All 15 MCA MPs have contacted me to deny ever meeting Anwar, let alone jump ship,” he said.
“It is a lie. He leaks this ‘claim’ to the press, so that he can go to other Barisan Nasional component parties and say ‘see, MCA has crossed over, you should join us, too,’” he said.
SAPP deputy president Raymond Tan said that despite its criticism of the government’s performance in Sabah, the party had no intention of leaving the coalition.
Azmin said the denials were predictable because of the “culture of fear, intimidation and harassment in Malaysian politics.”
“So you have to appreciate their predicament, but our discussions with the component parties are very positive and progressing very well,” he said.
- AFP
Pak Din,
I remember Junior Kitingan saying by end of April then he said after Pesta Menuai (June 1). Now Azmin Ali says two political parties from BN.
Too many conflicting statements. So far nothing seems to happen. Plenty of hot air only.
Betul kah ni? Macam tunggu durian tak runtoh.
Sorry Pak Din, “macam tunggu durian tak luroh”.
Sir,
This is off tangent to your topic.
Any comments on the current culling going on at Sime Darby with your Sime Singapore perspective ?
_____________
Nga, I am out of touch with Sime Darby since I left it in 1991. During my time with them, we have some outstanding directors like Tun Tan Siew Sin, Tun Ismail Mohamed Ali, Mr. Michael Wong (former Managing Director, Monetary Authority of Singapore), Mr Wee Cho Yaw (UOB Chairman) and Tunku Tan Sri Dato Seri Ahmad Yahaya (Sime Darby Group CEO) and others. They were all prudent and conservative men. I do not know much about the present directors, but I hope they are equal to their jobs.We also had very mature and competent managers during my time.—Din Merican
Did somebody say durian?
Here’s some ready for plucking!
2 party from BN considering defecting or maybe a party from PR defecting? Tak usahlah heboh heboh, let it happen and then climb the tallest tower in KL and shout your head off – I told you so. Guroh dilangit ayer ditempayan dicurahkan.
I am waiting with delightful anticipation that this will happen. The sooner the better for the nation.
Of course, the ‘fear’ of a Pakatan Federal government is real among those who carry loads of dirty linen. Foremost among them are some corrupted politicians, the IGP and the AG.
Yes, the “culture of fear, intimidation and harassment in Malaysian politics” Azmin mentioned, is an undeniable fact.
MPs can be arrested on cooked up charges, ACA can institute investigations and the Inland Revenue Department will make sure they go bankrupt by claiming millions in “undeclared taxes”.
Or banks may withdraw loans given to them and their companies.
or even MURDERS and ACCIDENTS!!!
Din,
Didn’t I say so?
The ACA has started investigations against Yong. See how the dog defends its master.
Read it here http://www.malaysia-today.net/2008/content/view/9046/84/
Bro. Din, just leave it to Azmin. I believe , he know what’s he is doing. After all, Azmin pun dulu datang dari ‘lubang’ yang sama.
.