Anwar has no confidence in Najib

breaking news Opposition Leader Anwar Ibrahim today expressed his worries for the nation once Prime Minister-designate Najib Abdul Razak comes to power next March.

"He never talked about reforms of the judiciary, free media, and democratic process.

"He hasn't given a clue on how he can manage the economy. These are all worrying signs for the economy," Anwar told reporters during a break in his sodomy trial.

"We don't believe the PM-designate Najib is able to function effectively," he added.

Yesterday Prime Minister Abdullah Ahmad Badawi confirmed that he would be stepping down next March, paving way for his deputy Najib to take over.

Abdullah also said that he would not be defending his Umno presidency in the party polls in March.

Under the transition plan agreed between Abdullah and Najib, the latter would assume the party and government post as soon as Abdullah stepped down.

However it remains to be seen if Najib would face a challenge for the Umno post. Umno president automatically becomes the prime minister.

PM Under Seige

Commenting on this today, Anwar said that he was not surprised by Abdullah's decision yesterday.

"He has given the indication in the past. He is clearly under siege within Umno," he said.

"I don't think it is tenable for him to continue under these circumstances," he added.

He also said that Abdullah must release all Internal Security Act detainees before stepping down and at the same time maintain an independent judiciary.

Anwar was also critical of Najib as the finance minister, stating that the latter was doing nothing in the face of a global economic crisis.

"We have a major economic crisis brewing and the new finance minister is in a state of denial.

"He still maintains as the only finance minister in the world that believes the fundamental of this country is still strong," added Anwar, who believes he can become the next prime minister with the aid of enough number of defectors from Barisan Nasional to Pakatan Rakyat.

[Full report to follow]