Mahathir's stunning move: Toward an orderly exit

Sin Chew Jit Poh Daily, Asia News Network, Kuala Lumpur

All Malaysians are deeply aware that there would come a day when Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Mahathir Mohamad must retire -- 21 years in all, but not this abruptly that astonished the whole nation.

Passion aside, the scheduled retirement plan and gradually handing over the baton as figured out by Mahathir should be deemed as appropriate and wise when viewed from the political, social and institutional development of democratic system in the future.

The announcement might be abrupt, but the scheduled plan obviously had been worked out carefully. That explained why the nation could recover quickly from the stun so that Mahathir's gradual retirement would not have adverse impact on the political, economic and social arena in Malaysian life.

Initial shock quickly dispersed; stock market rebounded; it showed the confidence the people have on the handing over power and the transitional process. Mahathir must have worked out the details before his announcement to relinquish all positions in United Malays National Organization (UMNO), Barisan Nasional (BN) and the government.

Mahathir, first of all, named Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi --who could be overpowered by a more stalwart faction if without the official designation -- to succeed him. The decision could offset any possible in-fighting in UMNO.

Official retirement date had been fixed for October so that Abdullah could have adequate time to exercise the office of Prime Minister while Mahathir would gradually step down during leave.

The scheduled timetable would ease out the uncertainty hanging over the entrepreneur's community.

During the initial stage, Abdullah would not be overshadowing Mahathir's influence which had been built up over the years, but without doubt Abdullah would continue with the policies that distinguish Mahathir as a moderate leader throughout his 21 years in office.

Unless postpone, UMNO most probably would hold party election next year, a first test for Abdullah. If not, Mahathir might have to invoke his influence and by mean of compromise and consensus to decide who should be the Deputy Prime Minister when Abdullah assume UMNO president and to ensure that he would be accepted by all.

Further, if the general election were to take place next year, it adds another dimension to Abdullah's leadership. Voters would be given the occasion to give Abdullah the official mandate through democratic means. But the overall results would be a yardstick for Abdullah's tenure.

If the general election is to take place during the power transitional period, and BN wins a clean sweep majority, it paves a strong foundation for Abdullah's tenure and the ensuing post- Mahathir era.

A strong man must retire. There is more than a year from now. Whatever changes during this short period would have significant impact on social and national development.

But, scheduled transition would be smooth; it has been carefully thought out by Dr Mahathir, taking one step at a time that marks a significant milestone in Malaysian political life.