ABDULLAH AHMAD BADAWI POWER TRANSITION THAT MAY NOT HOLD THE POWER TO LAST IT LONG

After weeks of sabbatical leave, Malaysia political atmosphere, landscape and games are still very much the same since my last writing. Although none is bigger then the Anwar Ibrahim and his so-called prelude and pre-attempt, big-talked saga of a then, failed taking over of the government; the current political and power citations and intimidations within the largest political party in Malaysia, UMNO is the HOTTEST TALK and one that is most eagerly awaited outcome that behold and beneath the thoughts of almost all Malaysians. And it is none other than the revisiting of the subject ‘power transition’ that had been agreed upon earlier between the ‘numero uno’ not so-beloved Prime Minister Abdullah Ahmad Badawi and his deputy Najib Tun Razak. The decision that now has been challenged by all sorts of reasons by members of UMNO highest ranked decision making committee, which is the Majlis Tertinggi or UMNO Supreme Council.

The transition idea which had been formulated by both Abdullah and Najib ages ago, now seems to be made just days earlier and such is very much subjected to some scrutinise and changes.

While Anwar Ibrahim and his broking of lies may have played a role in getting Abdullah again on the hot pan, the sentiments and the indirect cynical jesters made by some of the ruling Barisan Nasional’s component members,  plus Tun Mahathir’s constance disgust of Abdullah persona and administration,  and the urgent needs of many Malays individuals and Organizations for a better and capable leader to lead Malaysia, and too the economic fundamental standing of Malaysia which kept Malaysians guessing and foreigners running, were of the biggest factors in keeping the pan still burning as well.

But the turning point or point of no return for some of the voiced dissatisfaction over the ‘UMNO transition plan’ came in after the sudden volcanic aftermath of uncensored and unstoppable crystal clear statement made by the now seemingly guardian of UMNO, Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin. It was then widely reported that some key and prominent UMNO supreme council members had requested for the transition to be made happened as soon as possible; begging, urging and rationalising Abdullah with reasons ranging from the despair Anwar Ibrahim, BN’s unity, UMNO solidarity to even the upcoming 13^th National Election. And for every reason the reply given by Abdullah was still the same. And for whatever the purpose and power of a Majlis Tertinggi or a Supreme Council before and thereafter, to enact such a reasonable proposal in such a desperate and needed time, looks anything but happening and most probably would better be done through other means and channels.

But the means are only there IF Najib is to say YES. While it took Tun Mahathir to start the ball rolling and Muhyiddin and his Johoreans cronies to flush it to the public and to 3.2 mils UMNO members; the key is without doubt, Dato’ Seri Najib Tun Razak. But only if he is brave enough to say YES.

To undo the already agreed ‘Transition of power’ is now left to the only available and rightly channel, which is the upcoming UMNO general election. And sensing the same, Abdullah now is hurrying himself catching up to some state’s division leaders. He has been making himself ‘the people president’ once again with recent visits and opening fasts in Perak and Selangor. And more is sure to come.

One thing for sure, the games played over this transition issue by Abdullah, Najib, some very strong and key UMNO highest ranking members, and political accomplishes or brokers; are more than what meet the eyes. Meetings and brokering are happening at almost every corner and turn each day.

The chances are, coming this UMNO Election; Abdullah Ahmad Badawi will still be the president of UMNO and Prime Minister of Malaysia. But most probably the transition will happen earlier than the propose 2010 after all.

More to come.