KUALA LUMPUR, July 10 (Bernama) -- Prime Minister Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi Thursday announced that he would hand over the post of Umno president and Barisan Nasional (BN) chairman to his deputy Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak by middle of 2010.
He said the process of transferring the power had begun Thursday and that with the decision, he would not be leading the BN in the coming general election expected to be held sometime in 2012 or 2013.
"I took the opportunity to inform the supreme council at the meeting just now that I have reached an agreement with Datuk Seri Najib that I will not be leading the BN in the 13th general election.
"And this will also mean that we have to set in motion the process of transferring the power. I informed the supreme council that the process would begin with the announcement I'm making today.
"...that I plan to hand over the (Umno) president's post to Datuk Seri Najib by middle of 2010," he told a news conference after a close-door special briefing with Umno divisional leaders as well as leaders of the party's three wings -- Wanita, Youth and Puteri -- at the Dewan Merdeka, Putra World Trade Centre here Thursday.
Asked whether there was any decision made to prevent contest for the party's top two posts, Abdullah said there was none.
He hoped Najib would continue to be his deputy until he handed over the power.
"I feel that the relation is good. My intention is to strengthen the party and continue with the programmes which we have planned, including pledges made in the election.
Abdullah Ahmad Badawi has announced that he will hand over the reigns to Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak in mid 2010. "I would therefore be happy if my deputy, by the time I hand over the post, is Datuk Seri Najib. This will be my tribute to him and I have chosen him to be my successor for I'm confident that he will be able to lead the party," he said.
Abdullah said during the transition process, both he and Najib would strive to consolidate the party and restore the people's support to a level even stronger than before.
The prime minister said during the period he would also work extra hard in the effort to eradicate hardcore poverty apart from implementing other programmes.
Abdullah also expressed his gratitude to Najib for his deputy's willingness to accept his leadership proposal, which was well-received by Umno leaders at the close-door meeting with them giving it a standing ovation and thunderous applause.
Asked why the year 2010 was chosen, Abdullah said the timeframe was sufficient for him to implement the various projects and programmes he had planned with Najib.
"During the period, God willing, all programmes including the judicial reform and the move to turn the Anti-Corruption Agency into a full-fledged commission would have been completed," he said.
Abdullah said Najib also needed time to prepare for the leadership take-over and to face the next general election.
Asked why he chose to announce the leadership transition at this juncture, he said, "I think it is important that the process of handing over the power must take some time. During the period, Najib will also be attending forums and meetings which I normally attend, representing the government."
He said the period would also give Najib the opportunity to interact with leaders from other countries.
The news conference Thursday, which was also attended by Najib, took place in a jovial mood, with Abdullah giving his deputy the opportunity to speak, before both of them fielded questions from the media.
The prime minister said he also appreciated the good cooperation and understanding he had with Najib on issues they both faced in the party and government.
He said both of them had been members of various cabinet committees set up to address issues of national importance. Najib was also assigned to handle many other tasks and head various committees, he said.
Asked on the supreme council members' reaction to the decision, the prime minister said they had spoken their minds during the meeting and in the end, they agreed to it.
He described the standing ovation as a sign that they were agreeable to the decision.
"I hope this will be conveyed to the grassroots members who will definitely be interested to know what happened in the meeting. I hope the divisional leaders will convey the agreement reached between Datuk Seri Najib and I," he said.
Asked whether he would stay out of power after stepping down as prime minister, Abdullah said, "You (will have to) wait for that. You will know when it happens."
On allegations connecting Najib with the slain Mongolian Altantuya Shaariibuu, Abdullah said the issue was another matter and had nothing to do with the decision made by the party today.
Najib touched when named as Abdullah's successor
KUALA LUMPUR, July 10 (Bernama) -- Datuk Seri Najib Tun Abdul Razak said he was very touched with Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi's willingness to hand over the posts of Umno president and Barisan Nasional (BN) chairman to him in mid-2010.
The Deputy Prime Minister said the decision made by the Prime Minister was not something easy.
"Today starts an orderly and neat power transition process according to Umno traditions when the Prime Minister gave the confidence in me to become the successor.
"It is not easy to relinquish a post but it was made having regard to public opinion. I feel touched and fortunate when the Right Honourable gave the trust to me," he told reporters after the Umno Supreme Council meeting and special briefing for the party's divisional leaders here Thursday.
Najib said his relationship with Abdullah was very close throughout and hoped this would continue because Umno needed solid support from past and present leaders and its members.
"The leadership process can be made in good ways without disregarding traditions or something which gives a negative image to Umno or the voters," he said.
He said that during the power transition period, "the Prime Minister will determine the role and plan" and he would always regard Abdullah as his boss.
Najib also announced his readiness to defend his deputy president's post in Umno's December elections and hoped for a solid support from party members.
"I am asking for a solid support given to the Prime Minister's nomination as party president and I appeal for the transition plan to be accepted by the party because it is the party's voice that will determine everything," he said.
Bernama
11/07/08
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