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Malaysia PM defies calls to quit after poll losses
Malaysia's prime minister said yesterday he will seek re-election as the ruling party leader this year, defying critics and dissidents who want him to resign immediately in the wake of massive election losses.
- AP
- Published: 23:58 April 14, 2008
Kuala Lumpur: Malaysia's prime minister said yesterday he will seek re-election as the ruling party leader this year, defying critics and dissidents who want him to resign immediately in the wake of massive election losses.
Abdullah Ahmad Badawi reiterated that he will hand over power eventually to his deputy, Najeeb Razak, but not before party elections in December, to ensure a smooth transition. The party president normally becomes prime minister.
"Of course I want the transfer to be smooth. That's very important. I do not want to leave the party in a state of chaos. I would not say 'Najeeb, good luck. That's your problem, not mine.' That's not the way," Badawi said.
Meeting
He was speaking to reporters after meeting with party members to discuss plans after March 8 general elections in which the ruling National Front coalition suffered its worst losses in history.
The coalition, led by Badawi's United Malays National Organisation party, lost its traditional two-thirds majority in Parliament, conceding an unprecedented 82 seats in the 222-member house to the opposition. The Front also lost five state legislatures.
Grumbling openly
Although party members rallied around Badawi immediately after the elections, many are now grumbling openly and calling on him to step down. Badawi acknowledged that some in the party are upset with him.
"There are some who say [I should quit] as soon as possible. There are some who say 'not so much in a hurry.' Let me just listen. I have two ears. I am not deaf," Badawi said.
Badawi's statements indicate that he realises his days in office are numbered although he says he won't quit "suddenly."
He said his plan is to first contest the post of UMNO president during the party's annual general assembly in December with Najeeb contesting the post of deputy president. "Why shouldn't I contest? You tell me," Badawi said.
Kuala Lumpur (AP & Reuters) Police have halted a speech that Malaysian opposition leader Anwar Ibrahim was making to a crowd of more than 10,000 supporters.
Opposition members had gathered at a sports field in Kuala Lumpur yesterday for a countdown until midnight when a legal ban that prevents Anwar from holding political office expires.
About a dozen policemen interrupted Anwar as he was addressing the rally and forced him to stop.
Earlier, the opposition party, defying a police warning, said it would stage a rally yesterday marking the end of a ban that barred politician Anwar Ebrahim from seeking public office.
Parti Keadilan vice-president Azmin Ali said he expected several thousand people to attend the rally, scheduled at 9pm (1300 GMT) in the capital.
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