Pakatan Rakyat leaders will meet in a few days in light of the prime minister’s off-hand refusal to have the special parliamentary session requested by PKR leader Anwar Ibrahim.

“Just as stated by Anwar yesterday, we will hold a meeting with other Pakatan leaders to discuss what to do next. We still want to do this (takeover) constitutionally,” PKR vice-president R Sivarasa told Malaysiakini.

Anwar wanted to debate a motion of censure against Abdullah’s leadership of the country at this special session.

after permatang pauh 916 an oppotunity to change forum 100908 sivarasa rasiah The request was in accordance with section 11(3) of the Parliamentary Standing Orders which states even during a parliamentary recess, the prime minister can call for a session if public interest is at stake.

Abdullah yesterday dismissed the possibility of a special session, and has asked Anwar to raise any pertinent matters when Parliament reconvenes on Oct 13.

Despite the verbal rejection, Pakatan leaders expect a written refusal from the prime minister, said Sivarasa.

“We gave him (Abdullah) a formal letter and we expect the same from them. We want the prime minister to write in details why he had refused to call for the session,” said Sivarasa.

‘We have the numbers’

The Subang MP reiterated Pakatan’s claim of enough defectors, but said they want to remain anonymous to avoid harassment.

“If he called for the session, it would have been the easiest and simplest way to do it,” added the PKR vice-president.

Asked why he felt Abdullah said 'No', Sivarasa responded that he was afraid of the possibility of a Pakatan takeover.

“I think deep down he knows we have the numbers and he is afraid to accept that reality. What we had called for was a rational thing to do and he was harsh in his reply,” said Sivarasa.

A previous attempt by Anwar to meet the premier was denied by Abdullah on grounds that he had no reason at all to meet the PKR leader.