Mumbai: Malaysian opposition leader Anwar Ibrahim today said the newly-formed Pakatan Rakyat (PR), an alliance of opposition parties, would dislodge the government of Prime Minister Ahmad Badawi by mid-September.

Addressing a press conference here, Ibrahim said in the Parliament of 222,PR requires just 30 more MPs to gain majority.

"We have the numbers to form a new government. PR requires only 30 MPs from the ruling Barisan Nasional Party (BNP) to form and lead the next government", he said adding he hoped to move by September 16.

To a question why PR was waiting for September if it had the required numbers, Ibrahim said August 31 was Malaysian independence day and September 16 was celebrated as "Malaysia day".

Ibrahim, who was ousted from power in 1998 by the then Prime Minister Mahathir Mohammed, alleged the March elections were not held in a free and fair manner and the MPs in the ruling party know that they cannot win again.

Ibrahim said in the March eight election, PR secured control of six of Malaysia's 13 states and the federal territory, including the capital city of Kuala Lumpur.

"My Keadilan party is the only true multiracial party in Malaysia in addition to being the party that championed the cause of Indian diaspora comprising 10 per cent of the total population", he claimed.

Asked whether the transition of power would be smooth, Ibrahim said PR has no evidence to suspect foul play. "But we will be alert and educate people about the need for a transition of power."

Source : PTI