PUTRAJAYA: There was no meeting between Prime Minister Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi and Opposition Leader Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim or his agents.

Abdullah denied a foreign news report that claimed that he had held a meeting with Anwar or his representatives over a takeover of the Federal Government.

"There was no meeting with Anwar or his men, What kind of report is that? They should think first before writing such a report," he said.

The report had quoted PKR information chief Tian Chua as saying that the two parties had managed to achieve a breakthrough in discussions through a third party and that "there will soon be direct negotiation between Abdullah and Anwar."

In Kota Baru, Anwar expressed hopes of holding a meeting with the Prime Minister to persuade the latter to call for an emergency parliament session.

"I do not understand why it is difficult to meet. Meetings between the Government and the Opposition is a common affair. In any democratic country, it always happens," he said.

Perhaps Abdullah is under intense pressure due to the internal politicking in Umno, Anwar told a press conference here.

Earlier, Anwar attended a closed-door meeting with PAS president Datuk Seri Abdul Hadi Awang and PAS spiritual adviser Datuk Nik Abdul Aziz Nik Mat at the Kelantan Mentri Besar's official residence here.

Meanwhile in Kuala Lumpur, PKR information chief Tian Chua said the Opposition was open to having direct talks between the Prime Minister and Anwar but an actual meeting had not taken place.

"We are definitely exploring it. However it has not materialised at this stage. We are open to it," he said.

Tian Chua also said he was retracting his earlier statement – which was reported by foreign news agencies yesterday – that the Opposition had opened talks with the Government via a third party.