BN too strong to be toppled: PM - NST

By : Hamidah Atan

PUTRAJAYA, Wed:

The Barisan Nasional-led government was strong and would not be easily toppled, Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi said today. The Prime Minister also said the government had the full support of the people.

"Why should the government be toppled? It is very strong and we have the support (of the people, too). We don't go out purchasing people."

The BN chairman and Umno president said he was aware of attempts by the opposition to "buy" BN Members of Parliament to topple the government.

The BN won with a simple majority in the 12th general election which saw five states falling into the hands of the opposition. He was commenting on claims that the opposition, led by Parti Keadilan Rakyat de factor leader Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim, was trying to persuade BN MPs, especially those in Sabah and Sarawak, to join the opposition.

"He (Anwar) can claim so many things. Let him claims whatever he wants. I am aware of it (the attempts). This is what I have been hearing from people. I am just telling you (reporters) what I have been hearing from them."

On Umno Youth's decision not to take action against Datuk Mukhriz Mahathir, Abdullah said it was a decision for the movement to make. "Whatever they have decided or thought is for the best interest of the party. I don't instruct them to do this or that. When the issue was raised, I already said that this matter was for the movement to decide and they have decided. It is okay."

[More at http://www.nst.com.my/Current_News/NST/Wednesday/NewsBreak/20080319202246/Article/index_html]