'Comfortable number' for Sept 16
September 16 is still the date bandied about by Anwar Ibrahim to form the new federal government despite being hit with sodomy allegations.
September 16 is still the date bandied about by Anwar Ibrahim to form the new federal government despite being hit with sodomy allegations.
Although skeptics have long brushed that aside as a political tactic of the opposition icon to destabilise the administration of Premier Abdullah Ahmad Badawi, the man himself declared again today that “we are still on track for Sept 16".
“Yes, we have a comfortable number to work with,” Anwar told a press conference at the PKR headquarters in Petaling Jaya today.
Pressed on the exact number, Anwar replied, “I can’t tell you that but they will reveal themselves when the time is right”.
He explained that this was the understanding reached between himself and Barisan Nasional’s dissident legislators.
“So we have to keep our word,” he added.
Soon after the March 8 polls, Anwar claimed that Pakatan Rakyat is embarking on the road to Putrajaya and gave Sept 16 as the date for the formation of his government. He has also described Pakatan as the government-in-waiting.
"That is why they are hell-bent on attacking me," he said. "Based on reasonable facts I would say we are clearly on track."
"It may not happen on that day, but we are working on that premise."
When the sodomy allegation emerged at the end of June, Anwar stated that the new development could sidetrack his Sept 16 plan but had maintained that date to take over the federal government.
Many things can happen within 20 days
Asked today if Sept 16 does not happen, what future date is he looking at, Anwar replied, “Let’s be more optimistic. Of course, in the event of unforseen circumstances like a natural disaster, that will have to wait. Other than that, we are on track.”
When reminded that Aug 26 (date of Permatang Pauh election) to Sept 16 is only 20 days, the PKR de facto leader responded, “It has been said that ‘a week is a long time in politics’. So many things can happen within 20 days”.
Such was the optimism and confidence shown by Anwar at the press conference this morning. Apparently, he had reasons to.
With Dr Wan Azizah Wan Ismail by his side, Anwar started the session with the media, told reporters that he felt a very relieved man today in reference to his release on a personal bond by the Session Court yesterday.
Asked how he would convince Anwar non-believers that Sept 16 was still on track, he responded, “Of course, I cannot convince (Prime Minister) Abdullah Badawi. It’s his job on the line. But to the others, I would say, ‘have faith’.”
Earlier, Anwar lambasted Abdullah again for what he claimed was having a hand in the sodomy charge against him.
“But in soiling his hands with this sordid matter, he has deepened the crisis within his own administration. His most ardent supporters among the Malays have also expressed their disgust with the matter. Furthermore, the prime minister now faces investigation by the ACA for his involvement in corruption and money politics.
“The shadow of corruption and mismanagement of the economy darkens the legacy of his premiership. He has still offered no convincing explanation over the huge profits reaped by his family in the Oil For Food scandal at the expense of dying Iraqis,” he added.
Leave Pak Lah's sinking ship
The PKR leader advised those around the prime minister to leave the sinking ship of his leadership while there is still a chance to do so.
"I advise those around him to leave the sinking ship of his leadership while there is still a chance to do so," he said.
"The moment we form the government, we will cut the fuel price and free all political detainees. We are moving close to forming the government."
He also reiterated that Pakatan’s reform agenda is firmly back on track and the new dawn for Malaysia is well within reach.
On the Aug 26 Permatang Pauh by-election, Anwar said he was confident of victory although Pakatan would be up against the huge war chest of the BN.
“Already all hotels in Permatang Pauh have been booked by Umno people,” he noted.
“But we will mount a unified campaign to win in Permatang Pauh with a solid majority encompassing the constituency’s diverse electorate. I look forward to entering Parliament on Aug 27 with the support of my friends in the coalition,” Anwar added.
The Permatang Pauh by-election is held following the resignation of Dr Wan Azizah to pave the way for her husband to enter Parliament after a lapse of 10 years.
Nomination day is on Aug 16 and polling Aug 26.
