I was shocked when i heard in the news on my way back in the bus (Finally the TV MOBILE in the SBS bus does something beneficial) that Dr Mahathir Mohamed has stepped down from UMNO. I was in utter disbelief as i saw the news being said over and over again. (Interestingly Karim Raslan was being interviewed as guest analyst for Channel News Asia; what was he doing in Singapore in the first place?)
My mind kept pondering as to why Dr M has done such a move. Is it one of following his emotions again; that he is simply too upset at the predicaments that’s being faced by his party? I remembered the incident when he shocked the party during the assembly when he announced his decision to retire. It was one that was filled with tears and staunch allies asked why deciding on such a matter.
However, i know him to be a shrewd man; one as the likes of Minister of Mentor Lee Kuan Yew. Dr Mahathir indeed has a plan here. He has been upset with the party :
- The manner in which he has been treated rudely by UMNO members after his retirement, lack of respect for him. (Not allowing him to voice his opinions during an assembly.)
- The way Prime Minister Abdullah Badawi has supposedly gone against his promise with Dr M of only being Prime Minister for a term. Also the agreement of giving it to Najib Tun Razak after the single term. (Also dealings with his son-in-law Khairy)
- Recent allegations and agreement to an investigation by Barisan Nasional over dealings of corruption and cronyism.
- BN’s huge defeat during the recent elections & especially the return of his ex No 2 Anwar Ibrahim.
Dr M has built UMNO, BN and Malaysia from scratch. And i do believe that all these allegations are false. But, it has hurt him to a great extent to cause him to do such a risky move. One which I believe will have dire consequences.
He has quit UMNO to show a vote of no confidence to the Prime Minister Abdullah Badawi and has urged UMNO party members to follow his move and step down. He has also urged Abdullah Badawi to step down yet again.
Dr M holds much weight in the party and i believe the opportunists in UMNO and opposition parties are licking their lips at this piece of news. It is another opportunity for them to strike UMNO to display how weak it has become and how it should either have a new leader or be displaced with a stronger party.
Is this the correct solution Dr M?
I have always believed that they should have given a similar Minister of Mentor position to him to enable him to voice his reasons and opinions. However, such recent actions by Dr M will be deemed catastrophic for Malaysia.
If Abdullah Badawi steps down due to urges by Dr M, what shall it achieve?
- It shall leave the country in turmoil once again scaring investors and leading to unrest and further setbacks. A major party like UMNO without a leader will be tossed around by the strongest manipulator. Hopefully, it doesn’t fall into the wrong hands.
- It can prove to be another setback as it allows the opposition parties to gain more ground and Anwar might thus be able to gain enough defectors to have a majority government.
- Anwar himself might even join back UMNO with welcoming arms ; it has always been said that his beef is only with Dr M and he still have many supporters in the camp.
I do hope Abdullah Badawi doesn’t heed the call. Stick on and try to improve relations among the people and get the economy moving once again over the current inflation. It’s a wrong time to leave now especially when your half way during your work. The best time for him to step down was after the disastrous elections where Najib could have easily led a smooth transition that promotes stability and progress in the party.
Not now.
Dr M is playing a dangerous game; walking on a very slippery rope. It might be the Jackpot move or it could be the move that tumbles the whole deck of cards. What i do know is this; such actions doesn’t bode well for Malaysians.
Fai @ ilovelookinggood
Previous Posts -
The disastrous elections: What now Barisan Nasional?
Hindraf: HindRAF’s Mistakes, HindRAF & Malaysia, Letter From HindRAF to PM Abdullah Badawi
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