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Malaysian leader tipped to step down in March
Associated Press - October 8, 2008
Vijay Joshi, Kuala Lumpur – Malaysia's embattled prime minister was expected to make an announcement Wednesday that he will step down in March rather than face a rebellion by his ruling party, a media report said.
The announcement is expected to come after Prime Minister Abdullah Ahmad Badawi meets the policy-making body of the 13-party ruling National Front later Wednesday, said the influential Malaysian Insider news Web site.
The ruling coalition is dominated by Abdullah's United Malays National Organization party. Party members are demanding new leadership after Abdullah led the government – in power since independence from Britain in 1957 – to its worst performance during general elections last March.
Abdullah is expected to inform the Front of his decision not to defend his position as UMNO president in party elections in March 2009. Instead, he will nominate his deputy, Najib Razak, to the post, said Malaysian Insider.
"Abdullah made up his mind not to contest last Friday after seeking the counsel of his closest aides, friends and supporters," said Malaysian Insider, which is known to have strong sources in the prime minister's inner circle.
The UMNO president automatically becomes the prime minister, and Abdullah's decision would mean he would have to resign after Najib gets elected as party leader, most likely unopposed.
Malaysian Insider said Abdullah was until late Tuesday being urged by a small group of supporters to stay in office, but he had decided to go.
"He... seemed determined not to be remembered as the man who destroyed the party for his own interest," it said. "He has told aides and party officials that a battle for the top position will leave UMNO badly scarred and in a weak position to fight off the opposition challenge."
Months of turmoil in UMNO have followed the March 8 election results that have threatened its position as the dominant political force in the country.
Its claim to represent the majority Malays was questioned after opposition leader Anwar Ibrahim drew away many Malay voters to his multiracial coalition, the People's Alliance. It won a combined 82 seats in the 222-member Parliament, up from 19 seats held by the opposition earlier. seeking the counsel of his closest aides, friends and supporters," said Malaysian Insider, which is known to have strong sources in the prime minister's inner circle.
The UMNO president automatically becomes the prime minister, and Abdullah's decision would mean he would have to resign after Najib gets elected as party leader, most likely unopposed.
Malaysian Insider said Abdullah was until late Tuesday being urged by a small group of supporters to stay in office, but he had decided to go.
"He... seemed determined not to be remembered as the man who destroyed the party for his own interest," it said. "He has told aides and party officials that a battle for the top position will leave UMNO badly scarred and in a weak position to fight off the opposition challenge."
Months of turmoil in UMNO have followed the March 8 election results that have threatened its position as the dominant political force in the country.
Its claim to represent the majority Malays was questioned after opposition leader Anwar Ibrahim drew away many Malay voters to his multiracial coalition, the People's Alliance. It won a combined 82 seats in the 222-member Parliament, up from 19 seats held by the opposition earlier.
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