Mukhriz suggests PM transfers power to Najib before Umno polls

Umno Youth Exco member Datuk Mukhriz Mahathir has today suggested that the transfer of power from party president Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi to his deputy be carried out fast. The proposed succession plan between the prime minister and Datuk Seri Najib Razak would best be carried out before the party elections in December, he said.

"The transfer of power should be done immediately to preserve the stability of the party and unity among members. This is the sentiment raised by my constituents each time I meet them," he said here today.

Mukhriz, who is also MP for Jerlun, was asked to comment on the proposed succession plan mooted by Johor Umno recently.

He said a majority of Umno grassroots members wanted a change in Umno leadership as a means to rehabilitate the party.

"Once the succession plan has been executed, it would also strengthen Umno. We need to act on this fast," he after attending a 'kenduri' at Kampung Masjid, Kuala Sanglang in Jerlun, Kedah.

Mukhriz said when his father Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad handed the prime ministership to Abdullah in 2003, it was carried out smoothly.

"We must have a proper strategy and implement it well to ensure a smooth process of succession. This is very crucial to avoid disrupting stability in Umno and the Government," he said.

Mukhriz said during the transfer of power to Abdullah then, the country's economy was not affected while Malaysia's reputation in the international arena remained storng.

"I hope Datuk Seri Abdullah would hand over the reins to Najib in the best way possible," he said.

It was reported that Abdullah was not in a rush to carry out a succession plan and would defend his Umno president's post in the coming party elections.

He would only transfer his power to his successor, who he had named as Najib, after he has helped rebuilt the party.

Asked on Parti Keadilan Rakyat de facto leader Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim's claim that the Pakatan Rakyat would take over the government soon, Mukhriz said the former deputy prime minister was merely dreaming.

"I believe PKR had made several offers to Barisan Nasional MPs to join it. However, our MPs are loyal to the BN and they would never betray the party," he said.