I'm inclined to believe Prime Minister Dr Mahathir Mohamad pulled off that flip-flop resignation mainly to gauge his extent of support within Umno and he got his answer.

Recent letters in malaysiakini suggest some readers would like him to stay as well, though I feel that those who say that Malaysians are quite capable of carrying on despite him are overlooking the realpolitik of Malaysia.

Sure, there are perfectly capable Malaysians who can carry on and run the country without Mahathir but are they in positions of power?

The way I see it, this is very much an Umno thing as I don't see leaders of other Barisan Nasional component parties saying anything or saying much about the issue so far.

Had Mahathir actually resigned that day, things would have remained status quo i.e. Umno and other Barisan Nasional parties would still be in power with everything intact.

However, over time, there would be changes within the status quo itself as contending factions headed by people with ambitions jostle for power withinUmno and that could very well lead to interesting developments as one set of cronies fade into the background or are ousted by new cronies who come to the fore and take their place.

Meanwhile, at the same time, certain policies and emphasis on projects which Mahathir supported will be withdrawn and the new group in power would focus on other things.

For instance, I wonder what would happen to the Multimedia Super Corridor without Mahathir. Perhaps others who take his place or form the new Cabinet may simply decide to dump the MSC or give it a lower priority.

However, while I don't think Malaysia will descend into violence and anarchy, it may just muddle about without strong and decisive leadership and clear direction, while contending factions have a field day undermining each other as the country just drifts.

However, Mahathir can't stay in power forever. If he does not step down through resignation, he could one day be forced to step down due to ill health and what are his supporters going to do then?