Anwar Ibrahim's Sept 16 press statement in full

Anwar Ibrahim's Sept 16 press statement in full

SEPT 16 - Today, Malaysians celebrate Malaysia Day - the day our country became whole and our people become united. This day has a new meaning. After years of struggle, after fighting against a system that is corrupt and unjust - we affirm that victory is finally at hand. Our vision of rebuilding this country and bringing its people together, as the founding fathers envisioned, is within reach.

The economy is in turmoil with runaway inflation and joblessness creating widespread discontent. Racial tensions have been rising, exacerbated by the propaganda spread in the government owned mainstream media. The administration has offered no vision to steer the nation out of this quagmire and there is manifest erosion in confidence in the current government.

We in Pakatan Rakyat believe we can save Malaysia from economic ruin and the dangerous politics of racism. We will do so prudently, legally and in doing so we will not jeopardise the security and stability of the country and the safety of its people.

We have received firm commitments from members of parliament in excess of the number required to form a new government, and our government will reflect the diverse make-up of Malaysian society.

It has been our concern to ensure a peaceful transition of power. We do not wish to see a repeat of what transpired in the Selangor and Perak state governments, where following the victory of Pakatan Rakyat on March 8, documents were shredded and removed by the outgoing administration.

We furthermore advise radical elements within BN against the abuse of state power to unlawfully harass and detain our supporters.

The immediate investigation by the ACA (Anti-Corruption Agency) of Yong Teck Lee after the announcement by SAPP (Sabah Progressive Party) of its intention to move a motion of no-confidence against Abdullah Ahmad Badawi is another example of the tactics we reject.

The use of the ISA, as has happened to MP Teresa Kok, would be an unlawful impediment to the transition process.

In light these serious concerns, yesterday leaders of Pakatan Rakyat sent a letter to the prime minister at 2.30pm requesting a meeting to discuss the future course of the nation's leadership and to seek his assurance on the following important matters:

1) That the BN shall not hinder or prevent their BN MPs from acting in accordance with their conscience, constitutional rights and independent judgment;

2) That the BN government shall not invoke the Internal Security Act to detain any of the MPs who will join Pakatan Rakyat, or any of the present 82 Pakatan Rakyat MPs;

3) That the BN government shall not invoke emergency or police powers, or suspend the constitution, or dissolve parliament in response to our intention to form a new government;

4) That the Barisan Nasional government shall not impose roadblocks and impede the MPs from gaining access to the House of Parliament and the institutions of government.

We believe the prime minister will share Pakatan Rakyat's concerns for the welfare of the people and security of the nation. We are confident he will ensure the BN will act constitutionally and democratically to ensure that the transition will be peaceful, and there will be no actions taken to sabotage the wishes of the people or play on racial tensions in the country.

We appeal to all quarters in Malaysian society to understand our intentions are for the betterment of Malaysian society. The mainstream media, in particular, should accept the reality of these historic times and report fairly, accurately and without bias. The irresponsible tact that is used by the media to obfuscate issues, attack opposition supporters and instigate racial tensions must end immediately.

Following our meeting with the prime minister, we intend to proceed within the framework established by the federal constitution in the formation of a new government, with the assent of the Yang di-Pertuan Agong.

ANWAR IBRAHIM
Opposition Leader
De facto PKR leader

Anwar Sept 16 and Trial by Ambush.

Why is Abdul Ghani involved, when the Government has previously promised that Abdul Ghani (who has conflict of interest) will not be involved in Anwar trial?

Is Sept 16 Still On Track?
Anwar claimed he has the number and the Sept 16 plan is still on track despite BN sending its MP's to Taiwan to derail Anwar plan

KUALA LUMPUR, Sept 11 Opposition leader Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim gave conflicting signals about his planned move to topple the government as he appeared in court for a hearing on a sodomy case.

He was initially quoted as saying that his self-declared Sept 16 deadline could be postponed but then changed tack after appearing in court, telling reporters it was -very much- on track.

The hearing itself turned into an anti-climax, with proceedings adjourned to Sept 24 to allow the defence to argue against the prosecution's move to transfer the case from the Sessions Court to the High Court where, according to Anwar's supporters, it would be easier to manipulate.

Anwar was charged last month after one of his former aides, Saiful Bukhari Azlan, 23, lodged a police report, alleging that he had been sexually assaulted by the opposition leader in an upscale condominium in Kuala Lumpur. Anwar has denounced the charge as a conspiracy to thwart his plans to take over the government.

The transfer order was signed by Attorney-General Tan Sri Abdul Gani Patail, whom Anwar claims fabricated evidence in a previous sodomy trial in 1998 shortly after he was sacked as deputy prime minister. Anwar was convicted on the charge but this was later overturned on appeal.

The defence yesterday argued that Abdul Gani should not be involved in the current case because Anwar had filed a police report against him and police chief Tan Sri Musa Hassan in July for allegedly tampering with evidence in connection with the previous trial.

Anwar's lawyers also argued that the Prime Minister had decided that both the Attorney-General and the police chief should take not part in the latest case.

-This is a trial by ambush. How could they allow a person who has a personal bias, enmity and hatred towards me to make a decision at my expense?- Anwar told reporters after the hearing.

Sessions Court judge Komathy Suppiah made the rare decision of adjourning the hearing for two weeks to allow the defence time to research its case against the transfer order.

Instructions from the Attorney-General are not usually disputed, and government prosecutor Yusof Zainal Abidin objected, saying it was -a public interest case-.

Defence counsel Sulaiman Abdullah argued there was no need to move the case, pointing out that judge Komathy, with 26 years of experience on the Bench, was capable of presiding over the trial.

Talk about Anwar's bail being revoked yesterday also proved unfounded. The issue was not raised in court, which means he will remain free on the personal bond granted when he was charged on Aug 7.

Security measures for the hearing were almost unprecedented, with dozens of police and water cannons on standby at the court complex. Journalists had to register at three different places and go through a metal detection scan before being allowed to enter the courtroom.

Anwar was greeted by 100 opposition supporters when he arrived at the Jalan Duta court complex, accompanied by his wife Datuk Seri Dr Wan Azizah Ismail and two daughters.

The opposition leader later told reporters that he was on target for the Sept 16 takeover of the federal government through the defections of 30 Barisan Nasional backbenchers. This is despite the BN sending the bulk of its backbenchers on an overseas junket to Taiwan until next week.

Anwar acknowledged there were -technical problems- but said he would deal with it.

-If need be, I'll fly to Taiwan,- he said.

-Hopefully in this blessed month, Malaysians will achieve freedom and fuel prices will go down,' he said, referring to Ramadan and his pledge to lower fuel prices if he comes into power.

Anwar was speaking after The Star yesterday quoted him as saying that the deadline may not be met.

-We definitely have sufficient numbers (of MPs), but we would have to wait first as they are currently "enjoying Ramadan" in Taiwan... the date can be postponed even though our target was Sept 16 previously.-

The deadline is turning out to be a high-stakes game, in more ways than one.

Social science lecturer Sivamurugan Pandian from Universiti Sains Malaysia said: -Personally, I don't think he has the numbers. Is it a bluff? People will question his credibility if Sept 16 comes and goes. Is it just a tactic to weaken Umno? Or his personal agenda?

-Even if he has the numbers, it might not be a strong and stable government; it might be fragile. There will be political instability, as BN will never allow them to simply take over,- he told The Straits Times. Straits Times Singapore