Malaysia's ruling coalition took 41 lawmakers to Taiwan for a study tour on Monday, as opposition leader Anwar Ibrahim tries to persuade MPs to defect in his campaign to overthrow the government. Top opposition leaders were meeting on Monday to plan their strategy to remove the government by Anwar's deadline of Sept. 16. Prime Minister Abdullah Ahmad Badawi has called a meeting of his Barisan Nasional coalition on Tuesday to prevent any defections that could end its 50-year rule. Anwar's efforts to change the political landscape in Malaysia have increased political risks and worried foreign investors. The country's growing fiscal deficit, partly due to government spending to regain popularity after a poor election performance in March, has also negatively affected the ringgit, stock market, and bond prices. Anwar is set to appear in court on Wednesday to face a new sodomy charge, which he believes has been fabricated by the government to hinder his political goals, further contributing to the atmosphere of uncertainty. Barisan MPs denied any connection to the Anwar case before departing for Taiwan on an "agricultural study mission," insisting that the trip was not politically motivated. He and 40 other Members of Parliament departed on Monday. An additional eight MPs will leave on Tuesday. Barisan has 140 MPs while the opposition has 82. Lim Kit Siang, an experienced opposition leader, suggested that government MPs left Malaysia to prevent them from participating in potential political changes on September 16. He stated that the MPs could face constant surveillance and have their mobile phones confiscated while in Taiwan. According to a political analyst, the trip to Taiwan could serve as a convenient excuse for Anwar in case he does not meet his September 16 deadline. Suhaini Aznam, a columnist for the Star newspaper, stated that Barisan is falling right into Anwar's psychological warfare tactics. Anwar held a meeting with leaders of the opposition Pakatan Rakyat alliance on Monday to discuss the takeover plan, according to his aides. Anwar was expected to release a statement following the meeting. Anwar, a former deputy prime minister, was dismissed in 1998 during the Asian financial crisis and later imprisoned for six years on charges of sodomy and corruption. He was successful in a by-election last month, which enabled him to return to parliament and potentially become prime minister if the opposition alliance gains control.