PKR leader Anwar Ibrahim today dismissed speculations that one of his parliamentarians Zulkifli Nordin from Kulim-Bandar Baru would soon be defecting to rivals Umno.
"There is no basis in the speculation," Anwar told reporters in a press conference in Parliament.
The opposition leader said that he was in constant contact with Zulkifli and that there was no imminent risk of losing the first-time MP to Umno.Meanwhile the man at the centre of attention himself dismissed talks that he would be joining Umno soon.
"I am still with PKR. I am still seated on the PKR seat. The question of defection doesn't arise at all," he told reporters when met at the Parliament lobby.
Zulkifli was not present at the Anwar press conference which took place just minutes before he spoke to the media.
Speculations increased yesterday after Barisan Nasional withdrew its election petition at the last minute. The BN seemingly had a strong case and stood a very good chance of forcing a by-election for the constituency.
The petition was filed on the grounds that Zulkifli (photo) had failed to submit his statement of expenditure from his 2004 general election campaign.
Under the Election Act, candidates who do not submit their statement of expenditure to the Election Commission can be disqualified from contesting in future elections.
The petition was filed by Umno's losing candidate Abdul Aziz Sheikh Fadzir against Zulkifli and the Election Commission.
In the election petition, Abdul Aziz also claimed that the returning officer had failed to act against Zulkifli despite having documents confirming his failure to submit the statement of expenditure.
In the 2008 general election, Zulkifli won the seat, which has 51, 995 voters, by a margin of 5,583.
Having the necessary numbers
However Abdul Aziz withdrew the petition yesterday stating that he wanted to "concentrate on the ongoing economy matters"."A by-election would consume much energy. Also, one more seat would not mean much (for the BN)," he had said.
He added that the decision to withdraw the petition was made a few days ago following a discussion with Kedah Umno and BN leaders.
However Anwar today said that Umno/BN decided to withdraw the petition as they were worried of losing the by-election.
"They have already conceded defeat," he said.
The total number of MPs in his camp is vital for Anwar as he has been boasting of being successful in attracting some 30 BN backbenchers into his opposition alliance, thus enabling him to form a new government. However the much touted defections have not taken place yet.
Anwar also urged the government to investigate the alleged exchanges of SMSes between Deputy Prime Minister Najib Abdul Razak and lawyer Mohd Shafee Abdullah on the involvement of political analysis Abdul Razak Baginda in the murder of Mongolian national Altantuya Shariibuu. - malaysiakini.com
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