To Cross Or Not To Cross The River?

At this moment, probably Umno Vice-President Muhyiddin Yassin is having mixed feelings. In London, Najib Razak said he would remain as the party's deputy president, while in Kuala Lumpur, the Umno President Abdullah Ahmad Badawi said he will pass the baton to Najib when the time comes.

No.1 has chosen No.2 and No.2 has as well chosen No.1, both of them will proceed their journeys hand in hand. What should No.3 do?

Muhyiddin Yassin used to be considered as Abdullah's man. When Abdullah received the baton from former Prime Minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad, he used to be a popular candidate for the post of the deputy prime minister.

However, Najib had higher position and qualifications in the party at that time and with Mahathir as his patron, Abdullah eventually chose Najib.

"Challenging Abdullah and Najib would be a great uncertainty."
Muhyiddin Yassin lost his chance.

The 8 March general election results have shaken Abdullah's position and Umno's internal power structure has changed as well.

The leader with poor performances has been strongly opposed and anyone who can lead the force will have the opportunity to replace him.

Najib kept a low profile and decided to stay as Abdullah's deputy. Meanwhile, Gua Musang Umno Division Chief Tengku Razaleigh made an announcement to challenge the party's highest position. However, I'm afraid that he is a bit old for the post.

Thus, only Muhyiddin Yassin has the intention and strength to challenge the post.

In fact, not many Umno leaders have grass-root power with considerable ability and at the same time, a decent image. Muhyiddin Yassin could be considered as one of them.

Challenging Abdullah and Najib would be a great uncertainty. Umno's power is concentrated in the hands of the president. Together with the help of the deputy president, it would not be easy to seize the power from them.

However, probably Muhyiddin Yassin would not have any other opportunity if he does not attack this time. When Najib takes over as the new prime minister, he will have his own candidate for his successor and the candidate may not necessarily be Muhyiddin Yassin. Even if Najib chooses Muhyiddin Yassin as his deputy, but it seems like Muhyiddin Yassin would not be his successor as he is six years older than Najib.

As Shakespeare said: “To be or not to be, that's a question!”

I'm not sure whether Muhyiddin Yassin has read The Life and Death of Julius Caesar written by Shakespeare before.

Caesar was hostile to the Roman Senate. In order to cut his power, the Senate called him back when he was out with his army. Caeser and his army came to the border of Rome – Rubicon. According to the Roman law, all commanders are not allow to cross the river with army. Otherwise, it would be tantamount to a declaration of war on Rome itself.

Caeser paced up and down along the river bank and eventually made a decision. He said: “To cross the river, it would be the human tragedy. Not to cross the river, it would be my own destruction. ”

Therefore, he chose to cross the river with his army and his moves scared away his political opponents and the Senate. This has in fact settled Caesar's position.

To cross or not to cross the river, it would be the greatest challenge for Muhyiddin Yassin.

By TAY TIAN YAN/ Translated by SOONG PHUI JEE/ Sin Chew Daily
My SinChew
16/06/08

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