Opposition parliamentarians are taking notice that, despite various setbacks, Prime Minister and Barisan Nasional head Najib Abdul Razak is regaining the confidence of the people.

NONE They were asked to respond to remarks by Merdeka Centre director Ibrahim Suffian, who had said BN would have a better chance in the next general election if it is held at this moment in time.

Ibrahim said BN may also regain its two-thirds majority in the 222-seat lower house of Parliament, with rival Pakatan Rakyat bloc winning about 50-60 seats.

"This is my personal assessment based on surveys by the center this year. It may not be prefect but it would not be far off the mark," he said.

Currently BN has 137 parliamentary seats compared to Pakatan's 82. Three other seats are held by independent MPs.

Anwar Ibrahim, Opposition Leader and Permatang Pauh PKR member of parliament

NONE We note that (this is so) because of the very well organized campaign by public relations firm Apco Worldwide. So they are smart in spinning news. It is also due to the effective control of the media, more effective than in the past.

They have been able to impress the general public that Najib represents change and will support a reform agenda (that includes) the economic field or policies. But given his track record of the last few months, I think it will dissipate.

I am not particularly worried unless he genuinely believes and is consistent in his actions. For example, (with) the increase in the crime rate, people are convinced when you say (that you will combat crime). They will wait and if nothing changes (they will lose confidence).

Similarly with the judiciary, (the government) did not have the courage to act against (lawyer) VK Lingam. How do you then assume that he (Najib) has intentions to undertake change? Look at the policy changes which have not been delivered to the ground.

You know, the highest level of support that Najib has attained is far less than what (former premier) Abdullah (Ahmad Badawi) had achieved.

It is interesting. Statistics must be studied in an intelligent manner. You compare the survey conducted during Abdullah's time - we saw that the level of support was phenomenal...(but) he still lost quite miserably in the elections.

Salahuddin Ayub, Kubang Kerian PAS member of parliament

NONE We cannot under-rate what Najib has done over these past months and we cannot take it for granted.

The most important thing is that PAS must anticipate Najib's tactics. He is making headway and is trying very hard. I don't under-rate him as a politician and in the upcoming election we have to take all this into account.

The best way is for PAS to discuss how to sort out this matter. Actually Pakatan Rakyat must ponder on all that Najib has done. I feel that we must strengthen Pakatan.

We will hold our first convention next month. (Hopefully) we will find solutions to counter all the problems.

M Kulasegaran, Ipoh Barat DAP member of parliament

dap education roundtable meeting 111006 m kulasegaran I look at both statistics and the reality. Although many would want to deny it, it is true that Najib's popularity has increased. But this does not mean BN is popular.

Unless the Pakatan Rakyat state governments outperform their predecessors, we are going to fizzle out.

The spats among Pakatan leaders must stop. We should come up with policies and statements that are very different from those of BN - these must be perceived as something we can deliver.

There should also be a common policy stand (among Pakatan allies).

Lim Guan Eng, Bagan DAP member of parliament and Penang chief minister

NONE Man proposes, God disposes. The outcome will still be determined by the people - they want a people-oriented government that looks after all Malaysians, not a crony government. That would be the final determinant.

Especially (in fighting) corruption, so far Najib's actions have not matched his rhetoric.

There is always an ebb and flow in politics. People will see which government can best protect their interests. There is no doubt that Najib is stronger than BN.

The question is whether he can transform BN out of being a crony government. The Port Klang Free Zone report is now (out but) no one has been arrested, even though many have recommended action.