Being in a hurry in his entire political career, Anwar Ibrahim’s statement that he was “not in a terrible hurry” to topple the Barisan Nasional government came as a shock to many political observers.

His way to the top, in UMNO and the government, during his hey-days as the “heir apparent” was always fast and speedy.

“Everyone knows that he is lying! First it was Sept 16, than Sept 20, he kept on postponing as he is only bluffing,” said a political observer.

On Thursday, the MP for Permatang Pauh told reporters the Pakatan Rakyat coalition was not in a terrible hurry (to topple Barisan Nasional) because, “particularly in the present economic downturn, we need to engage with government leaders to ensure they take the right measures.”

The political observer said Anwar’s statement could be construed as an admittance of defeat.

“Suddenly he wants to “engage” with government leaders, a move that had never crossed his mind before,” he added.

During an interview with news agency Bloomberg, Anwar had for the first time conceded that he was running out of options to unseat the government.

In the interview he also said that : “I am not saying we (Pakatan Rakyat) have no options left, but I’m saying it’s getting to be much more difficult.”

A senior political journalist contributed Anwar’s failure to the transition of power plan.

“Abdullah (Ahmad Badawi) decision not to contest in the coming UMNO election and to hand over the leadership to Najib (Tun Razak), had halted Anwar’s plan,” he said.

The transition of power, he added, was a popular move and well-accepted by the people.

“It showed that UMNO listen to the voice of the people. People needs changes and the transition is a move towards change,” he added.

He said that the change would stop or at least delay Anwar and his Pakatan Rakyat plan to upset the country’s political and economic stability. – Oct 25, 2008