Anwar demands smooth transition

KUALA LUMPUR, Sept 16 - Opposition leader Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said today he has demanded Prime Minister Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi hand over power in a smooth manner as he claims to have more than enough support to form the next Federal government.He claimed today that his Pakatan Rakyat alliance had the support of more than 31 Barisan Nasional MPs, the minimum required to form a simple majority in Parliament.But he refused to reveal the names of those he claims are defecting.'Of course I have the numbers in excess of the minimum.'It is a slight majority,' he told reporters here.Anwar was speaking at what was a highly anticipated press conference on the day he had pledged repeatedly to take power from BN.However, opposition leaders have in recent days indicated a transfer of power would not happen today, and that it was the day in which the process to take power would begin.Abdullah had earlier in the day scoffed at Anwar's claims, calling it a mirage.Anwar said, however, that he would be seeking a meeting with Abdullah and show the prime minister the list of BN lawmakers crossing over.He said transition must proceed smoothly to prevent a repeat of incidents in Perak and Selangor, where he alleged documents were shredded following the opposition's surprise wins in the March elections.He said four demands had been issued to the PM in a letter sent yesterday.The demands are that MPs are not stopped from defecting; the Internal Security Act not be used to detain defecting or PR MPs; a state of emergency should not be declared; and no roadblocks be set up to stop MPs from going to Parliament.'I am very optimistic that the PM will grant us a meeting. We are giving him some time and space to set up an appointment.'Asked what he would do if Abdullah refused to meet him, he said senior PR leaders would then meet again to consider their options.The opposition leader refused to commit to a suggestion that he would then go directly to the Yang di-Pertuan Agong to present the list of MPs who are supporting him to form a government.'For now we will deal with the prime minister. He is the sitting prime minister and he has to be fully accountable.'We have chosen to take the soft approach and to be conciliatory. Then only will we move on to seek an audience with the King.'