Malaysia PM’s handover plan fails to silence critics

MALAYSIA: Prime Minister Abdullah Ahmad Badawi’s decision to step down in favour of his deputy in mid-2010 has not silenced calls for a prompt change of leadership after a drubbing in March elections.

Abdullah said Thursday he had struck an agreement with his deputy Najib Razak to hand over power, but first wanted the opportunity to implement reforms and projects promised since he came to office five years ago.

The premier has faced repeated calls to resign from within his ruling United Malays National Organisation (UMNO), after unprecedented losses in the elections and a fuel price hike that triggered public outrage.

Although his announcement was aimed at silencing these dissident factions, and averting a challenge in UMNO leadership polls in December, rumblings from within have already begun.

Party vice president Muhyiddin Yassin, a potential leadership contender who has much to lose under the deal, said some in the party preferred a quicker handover and wanted to decide their new leader for themselves.

“Some have expressed concern that if the duration is that long the situation will not become more convincing. This needs to be taken into account,” Muhyiddin told state news agency Bernama.

“The election is still far. Why the haste to make the decision now,” he said. Muhyiddin was tipped as a number-two to Najib after Abdullah’s departure, but will now have to wait two years for a chance at the role.

UMNO veteran Razaleigh Hamzah, a prince from northern Kelantan state who wants to challenge Abdullah for the top job, also questioned the premier’s right to hand over the party’s leadership to Najib.

“It’s improper for Abdullah to hand over any post as it is an elected post,” he told Bernama. Traditionally the president of UMNO, which leads a national coalition representing Malaysia’s various races, is also prime minister.

Kuala Lumpur, Friday, AFP