Anwar calls on Malaysians to dump BN, "cautiously optimistic" of WINNING GE13

VIDEO INSERTED UPDATE3 Opposition Leader Anwar Ibrahim  called on Malaysians to take the opportunity to pick a new government that was honest, responsible and would uphold the trust of the people.

"We ask all parties including the BN to adhere to democratic principles to ensure free and fair polls. We on our part will also comply accordingly," Anwar told a packed press conference on Wednesday.

"We remain committed to championing the cause of the common folk of all the racial groups and denominations. We therefore welcome the assurance by the caretaker prime minister Najib Razak to ensure a peaceful transition of power."

"We also appeal to the security personnel to remain very professional in their task to ensure a free and peaceful campaigning process. And I would reiterate my call to the prime minister to accept my call for a public debate on policies, economic or social, (for him to defend BN) and for me to take the opportunity to explain the Pakatan Rakyat's position."

Change through ballot box, not popular uprising

Prime Minister Najib Razak had earlier this morning dissolved Parliament after securing the approval of the King and briefing his Cabinet. Malaysia's Election Commission has 60 days from today in which to hold the 13th general elections.

At the question-and-answer session, Anwar expressed cautious optimism in wresting the federal government this time. In the 2008 general election, the PR had narrowly missed. Due to gerrymandering by past BN administrations, the Opposition won only 5 of the country's 13 seats despite having garnered more than 50% of the popular vote.

When asked how many states PR could expect to win this time around, Anwar declined to give an immediate response, saying the PR would meet first before issuing an official statement on its prospects.

He also said he believed the people were fed up of the BN, which has been accused of endemic corruption and criticized for pursuing a brand of racist and religious politicking in its bid to cling to power on the back of support from the Malay electorate, the largest in the country.

However, and perhaps to douse concerns fueled by accusations from Umno leaders such as Mahathir Mohamad, Anwar assured that the PR would stick to the rules and expects "change" to come via the "ballot box" rather than in the form of popular uprisings, such as in the Middle East which have all been violent and disruptive.

"We have worked hard and I am cautiously optimistic as seen from the massive response from the people especially from Sabah and Sarawak. That's why I welcome the rather surprising announcement by PM Najib that he would respect the decision and outcome of the election and ensure a peaceful transition of power. For the people, they would say enough of corruption, enough of racism, enough of abuse of power. I believe generally, Malaysians are prepared for change, change unlike in some countries, where it has to be in the form of popular uprising, it will be through the ballot box," said Anwar.

Debate please to help Malaysians evaluate what's up for their future

Anwar also appealed to the Umno-BN leadership to adhere to the "ground rules" for fair and safe campaigning. He had earlier called on Najib to accept his invitation to a national debate, the focus of which would be on policies and issues related to the economy or socially.

"We have seen vicious slander, dirty campaign promoted by Umno openly. I don't think they can deny. Last night in Johor Bahru in front of the former army chief Tan Sr Hashim, they were allowed to use loudspeakers, put up Umno and BN banners, used vulgar words in trying to disrupt a peaceful rally. It just portrays the propensity for violence and lack of ethics and etiquette. That is why I appealed to the BN leadership, Umno in particular, to respect, the ground rules of the campaign."

Anwar was also asked if an ongoing seats 'fight' between his PKR party and the DAP would threaten the PR's chances in GE13. "I don't think so," was his response.

Other questions posed by reporters included the 'Kalimah Allah' issue or whether non-Malays had the right to use the word Allah to describe God.

Malaysia Chronicle