KUALA LUMPUR, March 11 - The Opposition may attempt to rally support in Parliament and around the country for Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi to stay on as prime minister but the transition timetable is cast in stone.
Abdullah has informed his successor Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak this week that he will hand over the reins of government on April 3.
This slight change to the earlier timetable of stepping down on March 31 is because Abdullah would like to chair the Cabinet meeting on April 1 and bid farewell to the ministers in person, some of whom have served with him under the previous administration.
The swearing in of Najib as the sixth prime minister of Malaysia is set for Friday, four days before the clutch of by-elections in Bukit Gantang, Bukit Selambau and Batang Ai.
This news is likely to dampen speculation that Abdullah will continue in office even after the Umno elections – speculation that went up several notches after Abdullah and Opposition icon Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim met at a lunch yesterday in conjunction with the Prophet Muhammad’s birthday.
The event was held at Madrasah Nurul Iman in Hulu Langat and was hosted by prominent religious leader Sheikh Mahmud. The two men and Sheik Mahmud spent some time talking in private.
Anwar downplayed the significance of the meeting saying: “too many assumptions and interpretations have been made about my presence and that of the prime minister in Hulu Langat.’’
Still, Pakatan Rakyat supporters have not been shy to offer their interpretation of the meeting, stressing that there could be a move by Opposition MPs to show support for Abdullah in Parliament next week.
This move, if it happens, will be the latest attempt by the Opposition to convince Abdullah that he has the support of Malaysians and should consider remaining in the country’s top job.
Opposition leaders including Pas spiritual leader Nik Aziz Nik Mat have in recent weeks urged Abdullah to toss aside the transition plan, arguing that he was given the mandate in March 2008 to lead the country till the next general elections.
Barisan Nasional officials said that any show of support by Pakatan Rakyat for Abdullah should be viewed through political lenses- as nothing more than an attempt to sow discord within the ruling coalition, especially Umno, and challenge the legitimacy of Najib as the prime minister.
The Malaysian Insider understands that Abdullah has not changed his position on retiring after the party elections in March ever since he told Malaysians in October that he was not seeking re-election as Umno president.
An old school Umno official, he believes that the prime minister of Malaysia must have the support and endorsement of the ruling party.
After March, Najib will have both.
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