mystory - 17 april 2008

news one.
"The Star: Leadership change before elections, says Shahrir"

Datuk Shahrir Smad said the change in the UMNO leadership can take place any time as long as DS Najib Tun Razak has sufficient time to prepare for the next general election.

meanwhile, Johor Wanita UMNO chief said that the transition process must start now, and not after the party elections. It must be done now so that a new management would be ready after the party elections in December.

Datuk Mukhriz Mahathir echoed a similar sentiment and said that the leadership should not wait until after the polls.

news two.
"The Star: Najib - Abdullah didnt say when he will step down"

DS Najib had a meeting with leaders of UMNO Selangor to gather feedback on the party's performance in the recent GE. outside the meeting place, banners were put up urging Pak Lah to set down sooner than later: "We love Pak Lah but we love UMNO more. speed up the transition of power to Najib and Muhyiddin".

According to DS Najib, PM Abdullah Badawi has not expressed his intention to hand over power in 2010. PM Abdullah Badawi has not given any indication of timing as yet.

my comments:
some still believe PM Abdullah Badawi should stay and continue to lead. but they are in the minority. most have accepted that the change in leadership is inevitable. this transfer of power is a very important piece in the healing and rejuvenation process of UMNO. any delay would definitely not be in the best interest of the party.

while we are engrossed with this leadership issue, who is actually monitoring and checking on the opposition? they are quietly working and strategising. they are solidfying their cooperation - moving forward together. they are gaining momentum without much fight - inch by inch. or maybe metre by metre now. and we cannot fight back 100% unless this leadership issue is settled quickly. then only we can fight, we can attack to win back the support of the malays. and the rakyats.

(by the way, there is not a single news covering PM Abdullah Badawi in The Star today - none. did he not have any official functions yesterday? is he on leave?)