Mahathir resigns.

19.5.2008.

Robert Yap smsed me about it at approximately 1.15 pm today, Wesak Day, Monday, May, 19th. After that there were others - Budak Boy Saedi, Padir etc. So this is my immediate response to the news of Mahathir's resignation from UMNO. This must be a day of mixed feelings. Sad for those who truly love UMNO. Glad for those in power in UMNO. For those who have been in the party from the beginning, they would be lying if they say this resignation means nothing more than the fact that one member has willingly left the party - this has happened before, and will happen again. They would be lying if they say that UMNO will remain strong, because it is bigger than one individual. The truth is that this must be a sad day, to see a long serving President of both the old and New UMNO quitting the oldest party in the history of an Independent Malaysia in such a fashion, under such circumstances. Not for him the sanguine retirement of an elder statesman, whose views are respectfully sought, nor for him the quiet relaxation of a popularly elected leader savouring a backward glance of a job well done. It has instead been an accelerating downward spiral of betrayal and ultimately rejection by the very people handpicked by him. If it ever crossed his mind that his successors would show eternal gratitude for his patronage, that was quickly and rudely wiped out within weeks of leaving Seri Perdana. 

The detractors will have a field day. Words like traitor, coward, decrepit, good riddance, betrayer and adjectives in that vein will come fast and furious. They will be glad that this old man has finally got out of their hair. In a way, Mahathir has done his political enemies a service - he has left on his own accord. Getting rid of him would have been messy. In fact there was never any certainty they could. 

People like Nazri and Sharir and Khairy had tried giving voice to this desire that Dolah  himself didn't have the guts to utter, but they all got back more than they could chew, the UMNO members in the Divisions made sure of that. Now, they all can take pot shots at him, for he is no more one of us in the party. Now, even the silent majority in UMNO who have been quietly pulling for him may find themselves in a dilemma in viewing him, either as an old patriot who has abondoned them, or a lost soul who has betrayed their cause. Now we have to wait and see if Mahathir's is the lone voice fighting for the revamping of a critically ill party. 

3.5 million members have seen with their own eyes what Dolah  has brought upon the party in the last 4 years. Except for Ku Li and Mukhriz, no other party leaders, past or present, of any stature, have stood up to be counted. If the millions remain docile to the status quo, then UMNO will get what it deserves.

Always a man of action as well as words, Mahathir cannot lead from behind. And always aware of the drama, he borrows a line from Hollywood - "you can't sack me, I quit !"

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