By Joseph Sipalannews

KUALA LUMPUR, MALAYSIA: Pakatan Rakyat is not in a hurry to take over the government in view of the looming global financial crisis, said opposition leader Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim.

"Our priority now is to engage the government so we can ensure measures are in place to safeguard our economy," Anwar said after unveiling PR's recommendations for the 2009 Budget.

When asked about the progress of the opposition coalition's takeover bid, Anwar avoided giving any direct answers.

"I have said enough on the subject. The government has denied us the constitutional and legal options that we proposed," he said.

Anwar also brushed aside talk of the PR's waning momentum in pushing for a takeover, saying that Prime Minister Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi's successor, Datuk Seri Najib Razak, was weighed down by much controversy.

"To suggest that Najib has consolidated his position, I don't think is quite accurate.

"He may have consolidated his position in Umno, but not in Barisan Nasional or with the rakyat. He still faces serious allegations that need to be cleared.

"We are still considering our other options... there has to be an element of surprise," he said.

Earlier on Wednesday, Anwar had said in an interview with Bloomberg that the PR was running out of options to push its takeover bid.

He was quoted as saying that while they still had options available, it was becoming difficult to execute the plans.