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| Southeast Asia |
| Minor partner in Malaysia's ruling coalition quits |
| 2008-09-18 |
| (PTI) A small party in Malaysia's ruling coalition pulled out today, compounding the problems of beleaguered premier Abdullah Badawi amid a bid by the resurgent opposition to topple his government. The Sabah Progressive Party, having two members in Parliament, quit the 14-party Barisan Nasional coalition after weeks of dithering, citing dissatisfaction with BN leadership. Party chief Yong Teck Lee said SAPP will remain independent but will work with anyone and be in consultation with various parties including the opposition alliance. He also launched a scathing attack on the BN, saying it had "lost its moral authority to rule". With the SAPP's withdrawal, Barisan will have a majority of 56 in Parliament. Opposition leader Anwar Ibrahim, who is planning a bid to seize power, has claimed that 31 MPs had agreed to cross over to the opposition. He, however, did not name the 'defectors'. In March elections, the coalition won 140 seats and the opposition claimed 82. Meanwhile, the country's Anti-Corruption Agency has opened a file to investigate claims by Barisan MPs that they are being offered money by the opposition alliance to join them. ACA director-general Ahmad Said said this was part of a proactive measure by the agency to investigate such reports of corruption. "We are currently monitoring the situation. We have several reports already of MPs who have claimed to be offered money to cross over to the Opposition," he said. |
| Posted by:Fred |
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