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Nov 30, 2008

After keeping mum on the issue for over two months, Opposition Leader and PKR de facto leader Anwar Ibrahim finally breaks his silence on the botched Sept 16 deadline he had set to topple the government.

The former deputy premier also claims he has a back-up plan which will commence with the winning over of Sarawakians before the next state elections.

During his speech at the PKR congress in Shah Alam last night, Anwar said it is not easy to explain the Sept 16 issue.

"It is not easy for me to explain it. There are so many things that I cannot say. There are people who agreed to cross over but with a condition - reveal it only when they are ready," he said.

Breaking into a song and drawing laughter from the some 3,000 people gathered, Anwar rendered: "Cakap salah, tak cakap salah, jadi semua serba salah, (It is wrong if I tell, it is wrong if I don't tell, so all has become wrong)."

On the same note, he said the opposition alliance Pakatan Rakyat should set its sight on Sarawak and make it the 'front line' and stepping stone to forming a new federal government.

"When? (will the new government be formed). Just wait. For the time being, we will tackle Sarawak... and Sarawak is our new front line (to take over the government)," he added.

The Permatang Pauh MP also vowed that all his fellow opposition MPs from the peninsula will take turns to visit Sarawak every week.

Sarawak has become a hot topic at the PKR congress as the state elections may be held as early as next year.

Many delegates, including those from Sarawak, have urged PKR to pay extra attention to the state.

According to one Sarawakian delegate Wan Zainal Wan Yasin, a 'surprise' awaited Pakatan Rakyat in Miri and Kuching. However, he did not elaborate on this.

Meanwhile, Anwar said he is still confident that the opposition alliance will form a new federal government.

The 61-year-old politician, however, stressed that this should be done in accordance with the law.

He also claimed that there were some BN MPs from Sarawak who had agreed to cross over and provided their signatures, but later attacked him out of fear.

Without revealing names, he said: "When I asked him (the MPs) why, he said he was scared of being suspicious, but I am confident as I was confident before the general election that a new government will be formed."

He also stressed that Pakatan Rakyat has to set a new target and rebuild its strength following the Sept 16 episode.

Turning to Prime Minister Abdullah Ahmad Badawi, the opposition leader spoke of how the former had refused to entertain his request for a meeting.

"We had a letter signed by myself, (PAS president Abdul) Hadi (Awang) and (DAP leader) Lim Kit Siang to arrange a meeting with (Prime Minister) Abdullah, but he refused to do so.

"We had even asked for an emergency House session to table a motion of no-confidence but that also was not entertained," he added.