OTHER STORIES : Soi Lek: I'm top on MCA 'hit list' | PHT: Plenty of complaints that fell on deaf ears | Arrests of 7 anti-ISA protestors condemned

PETALING JAYA (May 12, 2008): Pakatan Rakyat leader Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim today confirmed that several Members of Parliament from Barisan Nasional (BN) and its component parties will be crossing over soon, fuelling speculations that the ruling coalition may lose its grip on power.

In a packed press conference in his Parti Keadilan Rakyat (PKR) Section 16 office today, Anwar disclosed that the respective MPs will make announcements by themselves soon.

"I don't necessarily need to make it. They might do it themselves," said Anwar.

"We have the numbers and we will determine the timing (to announce the crossovers) after observing necessary rules and procedures under the constitution," said Anwar.

"BN and and Umno are not at ease now as they are panicking," claimed the former deputy prime minister.

"They are bringing up issues of racial sentiments and survivals of Malays, and we sense that this might not go down well if we make the announcements now," he added.

"We have to take into account many issues before making any announcement but let them (BN) speculate," he said.

Anwar added that the defections will be carried out according to the law and no "money" will be involved.

He said if the constituents disagreed with the move taken by their respective MPs, then they can protest or even report it.

When asked if he had support from MPs in Sabah and Sarawak, Anwar said the support is now sufficient for the Opposition to form the federal government.

He also reiterated claims he made earlier that a new federal government led by the Opposition can be formed before Malaysia Day (Sept 16).

On another matter, Anwar said he has been advised by friendly parties to enhance his personal safety. "I will not disclose this further but I had been advised to take precautionary safety measures."

Asked to comment on former premier Tun Dr Mahatir Mohamad’s claims that he had purposely exposed the Datuk V.K Lingam tape, Anwar said: "Those are his personal views ... the facts speak for themselves. Furthermore, the incident occurred in 2001 and at that time, I was in prison."

Mahathir had earlier lambasted Anwar, saying the issue was aimed at incriminating him.

Anwar said he welcomed the submission of the report by the Royal Commission to the Yang di-Pertuan Agong and called for it to be made public.

For more stories, click the headlines in OTHER STORIES