When power becomes entrenched in an individual or organisation it provides comfort  to make way for the young people.

The truth is Moggie is not stepping down willingly. He is sick and tired of internal bickering, backbiting and shifting loyalties that he now wants out s contest less than two years ago.

The common desire to bring Moggie down has strangely brought together the two factions at odds with each other. It looks like Tajem is an ideal person to take over temporarily as president while a new leadership line-up for next year's party elections is planned.

But those who know Moggie well say that his retreat is not necessary the end of the road for him. He still has his trump card which is the good and close working personal relationship he has with Dr Mahathir.

He can still stick around as the member of parliament for Kanowit until the next party elections (or even continue to stand if Dr Mahathir says so) and remain as a member of the federal-level cabinet.

His own man

The question is: what is the Masing faction after? There are two prizes  experience in financial institution, to take over his place in the federal cabinet.

Several long-serving PBDS MPs have already got wind of this and are very angry and have therefore joined forces with the anti-Moggie factions s elected assemblymen (all formerly of Parti Bersatu Sabah) to stand apart from both and urging them to try and reach a compromise.

As to whether this will happen, the situation is perhaps best summed up by a seasoned political observer and senior journalist in Sabah who said: I have a strong feeling that both leaders are trying to buy time, waiting for the signal of one toeing the line.

But knowing Dr Jeffrey , he will not bow to Kurup and the latter is known for his hardline approach in solving problems. Dr Jeffrey is hoping for the Registrar of Societies to act as he might have an application ready to submit once PBRS is de-registered.

TONY THIEN is malaysiakinis correspondent based in Kuching, Sarawak.