Some want Abdullah to exit earlier

malaysianinsider | Some Umno leaders are agitating for an earlier exit date for Prime Minister Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi, just a week after top leaders agreed that he should retire by the end of March. The views from the restive ground were reflected by comments from party vice-president Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin.

He told reporters on Thursday that the four-month campaign period for the party election was too long and that many members felt likewise, in a none-too-subtle hint for Abdullah to step down earlier.

“I am saying this because there are many who share the same concern because there can be the issue of money politics and will drain resources like energy and funds.

“The campaign period is the longest in years and has never happened before. All this because we want to accommodate the so-called power transition plan,” he said.

Datuk Ahmad Zahid Hamidi, who is contesting a vice-president’s post, yesterday agreed with Muhyiddin.

He said Umno should hold its election by December as originally scheduled but Abdullah could remain as Prime Minister until March.... selanjutnya.