Prime Minister Abdullah Ahmad Badawi today brushed aside speculations that he would relinquish his post.

Abdullah, who has come under intense pressure since the March 8 polls, stressed that he would not run away from his responsibility as the prime minister.

"I am here, I am here, I am here. They make all the speculations that I want to run away, I've resigned. Why should I resign?

pak lah abdullah ahmad badawi putrajaya malaysia"My government has got a strong majority (although) not the two-thirds (majority), but very strong... that is the stand of support. Why I must run away from my entrusted responsibility," he told Bernama.

Speculations on the matter arose following calls by some leaders, including his predecessor Dr Mahathir, that Abdullah should step down to assume responsibility for Barisan Nasional's poor showing in last month's general election.

The BN lost its long-held two-thirds majority in parliament after winning only 140 of the 222 parliamentary while the opposition captured 82 seats.

The BN also lost control of Penang, Perak, Selangor and Kedah besides failing to regain Kelantan from PAS.

Abdullah's lack of public appearance lately also fueled the speculations.

Yesterday, an April Fool’s joke was also circulated via the Short Messaging Service (SMS) that the premier, who took over the reins in 2003, had resigned.

Meeting with Terengganu MB

Earlier, the prime minister had a after a "four-eye" meeting with Terengganu Menteri Besar Ahmad Said at his office in Putrajaya.

Abdullah said he is satisfied with the Terengganu state executive council list submitted to him by Ahmad Said.

"During the discussion, we ensured that all the districts in Terengganu are represented in the line-up. That is important," he said.

The premier, however, declined to give details of the line-up as it has not received the consent of the Terengganu Regency Advisory Council.

"I can't release the names yet. I have looked at the list and I am satisfied with it. It is a good list," he said.

Abdullah said the list of names would be submitted by Ahmad to the head of the Regency Advisory Council soon.