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Journalism of Courage
KUALA LUMPUR, DECEMBER 23: Malaysian Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamad today said his deputy Abdullah Ahmad Badawi will succeed him if he steps down, ending speculation on his choice of a successor ahead of party elections.
Mahathir said he believed his United Malays National Organisation (UMNO), the dominant party in the ruling National Front coalition, would back Abdullah as his successor at its triennial polls next year.
UMNO is due to hold its annual convention in June and pick candidates for the post of president, deputy president and vice-president, which it does every three years.
A local newspaper said recently that the convention might be held earlier but Mahathir, the party’s president, said the date has not been decided.
“UMNO will determine the question of succession,” the 74-year-old Mahathir told reporters.
“Of course, if I step down now, Abdullah will takeover. But I think UMNO will back Abdullah as successor.”
Mahathir, speaking to reporters in the capital after an official function, gave no hint when he would step down.
It was the first time Mahathir had specifically mentioned Abdullah, 60, as his successor. He had previously said his deputy would normally take over leadership of the country after him.
Mahathir, in office since 1981, is Asia’s longest-serving elected leader.
His reference to Abdullah is significant because during 18 years as premier three heir apparents have been cast aside, including Anwar Ibrahim who was sacked last year after five years in the job and later jailed for corruption.
