‘BN trying to topple Kedah govt’

ALOR STAR: Barisan Nasional has initiated attempts to topple the Kedah Government, claimed Mentri Besar Datuk Seri Azizan Abdul Razak.

Azizan said the Barisan leaders were trying vigorously to entice Pakatan’s elected representatives to cross over so that they could regain control of the state.

“But we are prepared for the attack. For every assemblyman they pinch from us, we have lined up a list of potential Barisan assemblymen who are willing to cross over to join the Pakatan,” he said.

He said this in response to talks of possible crossover war in Kedah as brokers were “busy negotiating” on behalf of both coalitions.

Pakatan has 22 state seats while Barisan has 14 seats. For Barisan to regain control, it needs at least five assemblymen to cross over.

Pakatan’s line up comprises 16 PAS seats, PKR (five) and DAP (one). Barisan’s line up has 12 Umno seats, MCA (one) and Gerakan (one).

Azizan was confident that Barisan would not get enough Pakatan assemblymen to cross over.

“PAS assemblymen have given their word that they would remain loyal to us. Even if a few leave, we have enough from the Barisan side to replace them,” he reiterated.

He said arrangements had been made with Opposition Leader Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim to counter cross over attempts, adding: “We also have other strategies to stop Barisan from regaining control of the state.”

Azizah claimed that the Negri Sembilan state government was also “shaky” and would be toppled soon. A Kedah Barisan spokesman declined comment on the takeover allegation.

“We will call for a press conference when we are ready,” he said.

-The Star Online