Saturday September 27, 2008

Muhyiddin all praise for new transition date

KUALA LUMPUR: Umno vice-president Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin, one of the most vocal critics of the leadership transition plan, fully supports the party president’s latest move for an early transfer of power, calling it a magnanimous gesture.

He praised Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi as a leader who had placed party interest above his own.

Fielding questions: Muhyiddin answering questions from reporters after the Umno supreme council special meeting at the party headquar ters yesterday.

“I express my high regard and respect for the president. Pak Lah has magnanimously taken everything into consideration,” he said after the special Umno supreme council meeting yesterday.

“We can see that he has given priority to the party and to the members who had voiced various views.”

However, Abdullah declined to reveal when he would hand over the reins to his deputy Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak.

On whether he was satisfied with the plan although there was no clear-cut indication of an exit date, Muhyiddin said: “I think it is good enough.

“You need to have trust. There must be a certain element of trust in whatever decision the leadership is making today.

“Do not speculate unnecessarily about the decision. I think it takes the (party’s interest) into consideration. This is what I sense.”

Muhyiddin urged members to close ranks and not feel it was an abuse of position and power, but to look at it as a wise decision.

He added that the transition process should not affect the credibility of the president and should be effected in a dignified and smooth manner.

Muhyiddin said the divisions should also wait for a clear signal from Abdullah on whether he would defend his presidency before they start their meetings on Oct 9.

On the talks between the party’s top two leaders over the last few months, Muhyiddin said the understanding achieved was, “I think, is very good”.

“I sense magnanimity in making that decision, which I think is important for the party,” he added.

“He has very seriously noted the whole situation and the discussion that he had with Najib, which was brought to the supreme council. I think it is good enough.”

On when Abdullah will leave, Muhyiddin said he would make the announcement before the division meetings start on Oct 9.

“So, we wait lah.”

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