PKR MPs Told Not To Leave Country

PETALING JAYA: A PKR member of parliament told Sin Chew Daily that Pakatan Rakyat MPs had been instructed not to leave the country within the next two weeks. However, DAP and PAS MPs said they had not received such a notice.

The PKR MP said he had received the instruction from party leadership that the party would table a provisional no-confidence motion in the Parliament against prime minister Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi over the next two weeks under a peaceful and constitutional framework, and that all Pakatan MPs had to stay within the country pending further instructions.

"We have received very huge support in the country. Barring any unforeseen circumstances, the existing government will be replaced soon."

He also pointed out that before the BN backbenchers were off on a study tour to Taiwan in September, already 31 MPs from BN had signed the statutory declaration to agree to hop over to Pakatan.

According to PKR information, Pakatan Rakyat has reached an internal accord of reserving the PM and DPM posts for Malays once it took over the federal government, as the current political environment is not favourable for a Chinese or Indian to become the deputy prime minister.

"You will be very shocked, as PAS president Datuk Seri Hadi Awang will be the deputy prime minister."

"However, two important Cabinet portfolios, namely the home ministry and the international trade and industries ministry, will be reserved for the Chinese, and DAP's Lim Kit Siang is a perfect candidate."

PKR vice president cum MP for Gopeng Dr Lee Boon Chye refused to confirm whether the MPs were instructed not to leave the country over the next two weeks, confirming instead that Anwar had told them to be on standby for further instruction.

He felt that the period of time from now to the UMNO elections next March could be a crucial period for change of federal government.

DAP Negeri Sembilan state liaison committee chairman cum MP for Rasah Loke Siew Fook, and PAS Youth chief cum MP for Kubang Kerian Salahuddin Ayub, said unanimously that they had not received any notice not to leave the country over the next two weeks.

Loke even said judging from the current developments, the likelihood for a government change is very low at this moment.

(Translated by DOMINIC LOH/Sin Chew Daily)
MySinchew
2008.10.28