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KUALA LUMPUR : Malaysia's ruling party UMNO is investigating claims that the opposition is attempting to topple the government by getting the help of lawmakers who are considering defecting.
Its newly-appointed secretary general Tengku Adnan Tengku Mansor said the party has sent its own intelligence team to the ground to gather evidence.
Former Malaysian Deputy Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim has admitted that government MPs have contacted him about the possibility of switching sides, especially those from the east Malaysian states of Sabah and Sarawak.
Mr Anwar said, "You ask the (residents of ) Sabah and Sarawak, can they have a better deal in terms of royalty...we certainly have a better plan, a better commitment than the government which is obsolete."
While he declined to reveal their identities, Mr Anwar said he will only welcome those who share the opposition agenda.
He also insisted that no defectors will be bought.
He said, "It's not a number game, it's the agenda, We've presented our case, it's up to them to decide"
Mr Anwar, who is instrumental in the opposition's success in denying the Barisan Nasional a two-thirds majority and seizing control of five states said, "time is on his side" and he is in no hurry to form a new government.
Analysts said that with 82 MPs, the opposition could unseat the government if the number of MPs who cross over reaches 30.
The scenario came up following unconfirmed reports on Thursday that Richard Riot, a Sarawak MP, became the first lawmaker to quit his coalition.
It remains to be seen whether his departure will mark the beginning of a series of defections to come.
Prime Minister Abdullah Badawi and his team are facing challenges from all fronts.
Within the ruling party UMNO, there is a possible split and infighting, after the Prime Minister decided to drop several political veterans, such as former trade minister Rafidah Aziz, who has vowed to defend her position as UMNO Women's Chief.
Political veteran Razaleigh Hamzah has also thrown down the gauntlet.
He said he would challenge Mr Abdullah for the UMNO leadership if he received enough support.
He has sent out letters to the party's divisional heads, urging them to hold a special meeting to discuss the party's showing in the polls.
This is not the first time he is vying for the job.
In 1987, he challenged then-UMNO president Mahathir Mohamad, but lost.
A similar failed attempt was made against Mr Abdullah in 2004. - CNA/ms
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