KOTA KINABALU, Malaysia: They have become the target of intense speculation over past weeks and as the Sept 16 deadline set by Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim to topple the Federal Government looms, Sabah Barisan Nasional leaders remain firm about not crossing over to the opposition.

Miffed that Anwar has somehow found a way to evade questions on the takeover plan as reflected by statements in recent days, one BN leader feels that the Parti Keadilan Rakyat adviser should apologise to Malaysians for his political conduct while another is of the opinion that even PKR's partners in Pakatan Rakyat doubt his ability as a leader.

Miffed that Anwar has somehow found a way to evade questions on the takeover plan as reflected by statements in recent days, one BN leader feels that the Parti Keadilan Rakyat adviser should apologise to Malaysians for his political conduct while another is of the opinion that even PKR's partners in Pakatan Rakyat doubt his ability as a leader.

Parti Bersatu Sabah (PBS) deputy president Datuk Dr Maximus Ongkili said the opposition's takeover plan would never happen.

"Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim should apologise to the people of Malaysia for promoting and engaging in despicable political conduct. The Internal Security Act should be used against those wanting to overthrow the government through undemocratic means and cause instability and public chaos.

"We have confidence that the elected representatives would not want to be treated as pawns to be traded in the political market place for a pot of political porridge," he said in reaction to Anwar's failed attempt to lure MPs to defect by tomorrow, which is Malaysia Day.

Ongkili, who is science, technology and innovation minister, also reacted to Anwar's demand for a meeting between PKR leaders and Prime Minister Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi to discuss national unity and political stability.

"What is there to discuss when he (Anwar) has declared to the world he is going to bring down the BN government through undemocratic means, by which I mean trading and crossovers of elected representatives," Ongkili, the Kota Marudu member of parliament told the New Straits Times.

Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) president Datuk Liew Vui Keong said the people were fed up with Anwar's "916 claim" and his constant attempts to lure BN MPs.

"It is obvious that all this while he has been blowing bubbles which look pretty at first sight but after a while, the bubbles burst and the excitement dies down.

"No righteous and just man will resort to this way of forming a government.

"He knows by now the national and international communities will condemn a government formed by undemocratic means.

"Even his Pakatan (Rakyat) partners, Pas and DAP, do not subscribe to his struggle.

"They themselves are now doubtful if Anwar is even fit and able to lead," Liew claimed.

He also said the move by the opposition to tail BN MPs, who were on a trip in Taiwan, in an attempt to lure them into Pakatan Rakyat, looked very immature.

Sepanggar MP Datuk Eric Majimbun said he did not think that Anwar's plans to take over the government by Sept 16 would materialise.

"That is just a dream for him," the Sabah Progressive Party (SAPP) deputy president said.

BN won 24 of the 25 parliamentary seats in Sabah, losing the Kota Kinabalu constituency to DAP in the March 8 polls.

Backing the Sabah-based BN parties, Chief Minister Datuk Seri Musa Aman said Anwar's so-called political struggle was not for the people, but for his own interests as demonstrated by his strategy of wanting to woo MPs from the state and neighbouring Sarawak.

"Anwar's strategy to take over the government to become the prime minister is very undemocratic, underhanded and ungentlemanly," Musa, who is Sabah BN chairman, said in a statement yesterday.

Musa said the BN candidates secured their place in Parliament on the coalition ticket and not through PKR, DAP or Pas.

"Is this the type of leader you would like administering the country? A leader who is so ambitious and impatient that he cannot wait until the next election and let the democratic process take its course. If he is confident of support from the people, then he should wait."

He expressed confidence that BN elected representatives were wise enough not to fall into Anwar's trap, disappointing the thousands of voters who gave them support during the last general election.

"They may be vocal or frank about certain issues but this does not mean that they are against the BN leadership," Musa said.