Press Statement by Charles Santiago in Klang on
Saturday, 27th September 2008:
Latest transition plans in UMNO
will not solve impasse in the country
Prime Minster Datuk Seri Abdullah
Ahmad Badawi's announcement hinting at the possibility of an earlier
transition of power to his deputy Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak signals a
palace coup to oust the premier.
It is clear that UMNO leaders are anxious to give Abdullah the boot to
regain the eroding support of the people, especially the Malays. But the
party is still ignorant of the fact that a change of guards would do
nothing to win the confidence of Malaysians.
The party must put in place
credible reforms that would bring about fundamental changes to the party
and its leadership. UMNO must also give a clear indication that it is
committed to wiping out corruption, abuse of power and institute
mechanisms ensuring good governance, transparency and accountability as
a first step towards regaining the confidence of Malaysians and
investors.
Whether or not Prime Minister
in-waiting, Najib, would be able to convince the people remains a
question.
Najib does not enjoy the support of
the people but is widely touted for the two-year detention of prominent
blogger Raja Petra Kamaruddin under the country's pre-independence
relic, the Internal Security Act. Raja Petra has been denied due process
of the law and his detention could be prolonged indefinitely.
Najib saw the blogger's critical
postings as a direct threat to his potential as the country's next
premier. Raja Petra's recent reports implicating Najib to the murder of
a Mongolian interpreter stripped him of remaining credibility.
While Najib is angling for a quick promotion, Abdullah is also playing
his cards close to his chest. The premier has refused to reveal if he
would contest in the next party polls which are now postponed to March
2009.
Abdullah would clearly try to lobby
support from division leaders to obtain the mandatory 58 nominations to
bid for the top job. As such, we could anticipate more back stabbing and
contradicting statement from UMNO leaders as they fight out a battle for
political longevity.
Abdullah's announcement would not
stop the political infighting within UMNO. Neither would it quell the
calls for the premier's resignation. In reality it would create further
political and economic instability in the country.
In short the country would be at an impasse.
* Charles Santiago, MP for Klang
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