Be vigilant, Anwar tells opposition - NST

KUALA LUMPUR: April 29, 2008

Parti Keadilan Rakyat (PKR) de facto leader Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim called upon Pakatan Rakyat members, leaders and elected representatives to be vigilant and cautious in whatever they do.

He said this was necessary as Umno was going through internal problems and would seek to deflect this by making a big issue of any mistakes the tripartite coalition made.

In a speech at a dinner for opposition party members at the Parliament complex, he also called upon the opposition members to shed their shackles and old beliefs and make the Dewan Rakyat more effective.

Stepping into Parliament grounds for the first time in 10 years, Anwar said that despite these and other challenges faced, he was confident that the three opposition parties would be able to forge ahead in a stronger position.

DAP adviser Lim Kit Siang said he would call upon the government to give the opposition leader's post ministerial status.

"I can propose changes as I am no longer the opposition leader," he said.

Lim also called for reforms in the legislative body, saying its function and status must be reflective of the separation of powers between the executive and the legislative.

"A true separation of powers will enable us to carry out our task in a more effective manner," Lim said.

Pas president Datuk Seri Abdul Hadi Awang said the Pakatan Rakyat MPs' role would be to advise the government of their various functions and duties.

"It is our duty to advise the government as we represent the people who voted us in."

Abdul Hadi said opposition MPs should not let their guard down despite their large number, adding that they needed to be united in order to function in an effective manner.