Kuala Lumpur - Malaysia's opposition leader Anwar Ibrahim on Thursday demanded a special Parliament session to hold a vote of no confidence against the government, after his request to meet embattled Prime Minister Abdullah Ahmad Badawi was flatly rejected.

Anwar, who has claimed to have more than enough defecting government lawmakers to topple the government, said the emergency session needs to be held no later than Tuesday to "deliberate a motion of censure or no-confidence in the leadership of Prime Minister Abdullah Ahmad Badawi."

Anwar, 61, said he has sent a letter to Abdullah to demand the meeting, and said he expects an immediate response.

Anwar led a three-party opposition alliance to major gains in the March 8 general elections, winning 82 out of the 222 seats in Parliament and taking control of five states.

On Tuesday, he claimed that the opposition now had a majority of legislators, following the crossover of more than 31 government lawmakers.

However, he said he cannot reveal the names of the defecting lawmakers until they demonstrate their loyalty in Parliament, to protect them from harassment or possible detention.

"We are not in an ordinary democratic environment," he said.

Anwar said the reason behind the emergency session in Parliament was to put an end to mounting political and economic instability since the elections.

Parliament, which is currently in recess, is due to reconvene on October 13, a date Anwar said was too long a wait.

"The country is in a state of flux, the political and economic system," he told reporters.

"We must make sure we move on, save this country and propel its economy.

"We have to deal with it (all), and we have to deal with it fast. Tomorrow, if possible," he said.

Abdullah has dismissed Anwar's claims as a "mirage," branding him a liar and a threat to the economy and security of the country.

He has also flatly rejected a call by Anwar for the two leaders to meet and negotiate a "peaceful transition of power."

Anwar has said the premier's statements were "reckless and irresponsible," and said he would meet with leaders within the opposition alliance to determine their next course of action if Abdullah does not agree to calling for the special Parliamentary session. (dpa)