Malaysia's Opposition Says Talks With Government "Positive"

KUALA LUMPUR -(Dow Jones)- Malaysia's opposition coalition said Tuesday that a meeting between opposition leader Anwar Ibrahim and Prime Minister Abdullah Ahmad Badawi could happen "in the next few days," and described preliminary talks via an intermediary as "positive."

Tian Chua, Information chief of opposition leader Anwar Ibrahim's Parti Keadilan Rakyat, said talks between the two parties began over the weekend via a third party, in a bid to ensure a "graceful" handover of power, and are currently "looking good."

"There are positive signals coming from both sides, and we hope to see a direct face-to-face meeting between Anwar and Abdullah in the next few days," said Chua.

Chua declined to reveal what had been discussed so far, but said there was now greater willingness by Abdullah to meet Anwar due to the pressure the prime minister was facing within his United Malays National Organization party, including calls from senior party members for him to hand over the party helm to deputy Najib Razak by the year end.

"There is greater likelihood of an amicable settlement as Abdullah may be looking for a graceful exit...we are happy to explore this," Chua said.

A close political aide of the prime minister, who declined to be named, said he wasn't aware that a meeting had taken place. Abdullah wasn't available for comment.

Abdullah had previously refused to meet with Anwar, who says he has garnered enough defectors among government lawmakers to topple the government.

Anwar's Pakatan Rakyat alliance currently holds 82 seats in the 222-strong parliament, and needs a minimum of 30 additional seats for a simple majority in parliament.

Anwar Ibrahim last week called for parliament to be reconvened from recess Tuesday to hold a confidence vote in Abdullah.

By K.P. Lee
Dow Jones Newswires