The movements of some Barisan Nasional (BN) parliamentarians in Sabah and Sarawak are being closely monitored by the Special Branch, according to reliable sources.

This has led to many of them even refusing to talk on the phone to Malaysiakini for fear that the lines are being tapped.

“Where the MPs go, who they meet and when - are all matters of definite interest,” the sources claimed.

They described the situation as reflective of the government's edginess over the possibility that BN MPs may be enticed to cross over to Pakatan Rakyat.

pakatan rakyat penang rally 160608 anwar ibrahim PKR de facto leader Anwar Ibrahim (right) had previously claimed that the opposition has enough numbers to take over the federal government by Sept 16.

The sources said ‘marked’ Sabah MPs have found that their travel plans - including flight departures and destination details - have gained the interest of many people.

At the same time, Anwar's house in Kuala Lumpur is being closely watched for signs of activity, including the identity of those entering and leaving the premises.

The Special Branch has already quizzed officials of the Kadazan Chamber of Commerce and Industry over their visit to Miri last weekend.

bernie The 230-strong contingent led by Frderick Edwin Lojingki attended a joint Gawai Dayak-Pesta Kaamatan dinner. They included Upko president Bernard Dompok (left) and Sabah assistant minister Donald Peter Mojuntin.

Mojuntin said he had not been questioned, but that an accompanying official was - he was asked the purpose of the visit and who had attended the event.

“I think it's something quite normal though,” said Mojuntin.

In Sarawak, some BN MPs whose names are being linked with a possible crossover, have also indicated that they are being watched.

Chinese-language daily See Hua Daily News today carried an interview with parliamentarians Richard Riot (Serian) and Tiki Lafe (Mas Gading), denying any intention of defecting to Pakatan.

Sapp to meet

In another development, the Sabah Progressive Party (Sapp) has received a show-cause letter from the BN giving it 30 days to explain its intended no-confidence motion against Prime Minister Abdullah Ahmad Badawi.

Sapp organising secretary Edward Dagul said today that it would call a special supreme council meeting to discuss the matter. He said the party has up to the end of the month to decide whether or not to respond.

yong teck lee old He confirmed that party president Yong Teck Lee (right) has yet to be called in by the Anti-Corruption Agency (ACA) over testimony in a corruption trial in Kuala Lumpur, in relation to a RM5 million bribe.

Yong has maintained that this is a political threat in response to the no-confidence motion. The ACA chief has denied the insinuation.