(The Edge) - Pakatan Rakyat (PR) leaders today sought to downplay Barisan Nasional's (BN) chances of recouping its loss during the 12th general election even as they admitted Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak was making headway in regaining public support.

Opposition members of parliament were asked to comment on Merdeka Centre director Ibrahim Suffian's recent statement that BN would score better if the 13th general elections were held now, with Ibrahim predicting that BN could regain the two-thirds majority in the 222-seat Dewan Rakyat.

Ibrahim was also quoted by Malaysiakini on Nov 15 as saying that PR could only win between 50-60 seats in the Dewan Rakyat if nationwide elections were held now.

BN currently has 137 seats against PR's 82 while independent representatives occupy three seats in parliament's lower house.

When met, PR leader Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim (PKR-Permatang Pauh) said the opposition coalition would "take note of that" but attributed Najib's increasing appeal to a "very well organised campaign" by international communications firm Apco Worldwide, engaged by Najib.

"They are smart in spinning the news and (have) effective control of the media, more effective than the past, so they have been able to impress the general public that Najib represents change.

"But I think given the track record in the last few months and the next few months, I think it will dissipate," Anwar told reporters in parliament earlier.

Anwar said he was "not particularly worried unless he (Najib) genuinely believes (he can implement reform) and be consistent in his actions".

Penang Chief Minister Lim Guan Eng (DAP-Bagan) said that while Najib was "stronger than the BN", it still remained to be seen whether Najib can manage to transform the BN "not to be a crony government".

"The outcome (of the general elections) will still be determined by the people. There is always ebb and flow in politics. People will see which government can best protect their interests," Lim said.

On the fight against corruption, Lim said Najib's actions had not matched his rhetoric and cited the example of the Port Klang Free Zone (PKFZ) scandal which saw inaction despite several reports recommending action.

M Kulasegaran (DAP-Ipoh Barat) also concurred with Lim, saying that Najib's rising popularity cannot be denied but also cannot be equated with the ruling party's popularity.

Kulasegaran said his biggest concern was that PR would "be fizzled out" unless the PR-led state governments can successfully outperform their BN predecessors to show that they "can deliver".

The internal spat between PR leaders must stop and that the coalition should have common policy stands, Kulasegaran added.

PAS Vice-President Salahuddin Ayub (PAS-Kubang Kerian) meanwhile took more caution, saying that PR cannot "underrate" what Najib has done in the last few months since taking office.

"The most important thing is that PAS must anticipate the tactics that Najib is undertaking in this few months. He is making headway and trying very hard," Salahuddin said.

"But I don't underrate him (Najib) as a politician and in the upcoming election we have to take all that into account," Salahuddin said.

Salahuddin added that PR must be strengthened and find solutions for "all the problems" during its first convention scheduled for December.

Comments (15)

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written by asguard, November 18, 2009 09:19:37

I don't think the public has high regard for najis the demon... always beware of the demon... he will people's life more miserable than before... and what about monggolian lady that got killed in cold blood murder, what about submarines corruption deal....and power grab in Perak... and now he is trying ...to use the blue dogs to bite, MACC to do his bid... finding faults with the opposition from time to time.... what about the evil toyol ...so far no punishment yet over mansions scandal.... , indians that got killed in locked recently?

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written by Bigjoe99, November 18, 2009 07:24:07

I don't see the argument that anything that Najib has done has been effective. Frankly the gains has to do with the same reason for tsunami 308, Malaysians are spoilt and expect easy quick solutions. PR is not delivering easy quick solutions. In other words, its a dead cat bounce. It does not have legs in it. The trend favours PR. All this data tells is to PR is that there is about 10% difference when there is no hype. So get it through their head to stop going for quick, easy solutions and STOP making mistakes. Make sure the measurement for performance and systems of accountability are in place with as little politics as possible.

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written by betasigma, November 18, 2009 01:41:06

since this crime minister is so popular,why not ask him to'' push ur horse come'' calling a snap general election or to a lesser extent,dissolve the perak dun for a re-election??

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written by jchew, November 17, 2009 21:51:26

F**king bull shit!

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written by philip25, November 17, 2009 21:27:39

If he has regained popularity why not test it out in Perak. Call for elections and let the people of Perak show him and his cronies the door

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written by Rainbowseahorse, November 17, 2009 21:23:33

If we can be confident the the PKR has got their acts together and can, and will, be a good alternative government, the we should all start praising, patting, and in general grit out teeth and say. "Well done Najib! We are with you and we will give you the 3/4% you so badly wants".

Then Najib, all aglow from the feeling of being so loved by the rakyat, immediately call for a snap election and ,we the rakyat, then shove it to him long and hard up his-you-know-where and...hey presto...we got ourselves a new government!

Nice thought yah!

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written by malgal, November 17, 2009 21:02:09

if najib's popularity is make belief by spin masters, it means we are ruled by spin. wot a countryload of gullibles we are if we couldn't tell fake from truth, reality from perception.

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written by batsman, November 17, 2009 21:00:14

Apco Worldwide may be giving good press and publicity for Najib, but his police are more brutal and murderous than ever before, the judiciary more corrupt and manipulated and the elections commisions whines like a lap dog before Najib while the MACC goes on the rampage.

Are Malaysians gong to be better off with the ghost of Altantunya hovering over us? Will Malaysians be better off if we try to forget? Will Malaysians be cursed for trying to forget?

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written by Eskay345, November 17, 2009 20:49:23

Those Umno guys are all so blockheaded that their brains are not working. Too arrogant.
Just go down to the grass-roots and you'll be surprised by the support of the "1 Malaysia guy"
especially after PI Bala's 3rd. Statutory Declaration.

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written by arazak, November 17, 2009 20:31:18

What! Najib is popular?. . ., maybe popular in Mongolia!

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written by MSIABOLEH, November 17, 2009 20:24:53

Popular? Why not test it out next month by announcing for the GE13? I am sure the Rakyat will be too willing to give a piece of their minds.

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written by Mirage, November 17, 2009 20:12:29

A murderer is a murderer what is worst in this case is he is a brutal murderer and nothing can be done

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written by hiro, November 17, 2009 18:45:21

At the first line, I meant public relations, not Pakatan spin.

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written by hiro, November 17, 2009 18:44:20

All discussions about how strong approval rating Najib/BN is another PR spin. Least we forget BN has not corrected its many wrongs, has not brought safety back to the streets, has not wiped out serious corruption, and basically has everyone of influence and power in the institutions lapping up to them. I'd rather have a semi-functional but good intentioned PR run the federal government anytime, if only to clean up the mess and nothing else.

PR only needs to buck up and stay on message. Najib's ascension may well be the kick in the arse PR deserves right now.

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written by Rainbowseahorse, November 17, 2009 18:22:22

If indeed Najib feels his popularity is gaining, I bet he will allow the Kota Siputeh by-election to taste out the water.
That BN seat was won on a slim majority against PAS and if BN wins it again on a wider margin, that would convince Najib to contemplate a national snap election.

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