Abdullah Ahmad Badawi will discuss with his deputy, Mohd Najib Razak, the transition of power to the latter, said Umno vice-president Muhyiddin Yassin in Johor last night.

He said Abdullah had told the closed-door meeting with Johor Umno that he would discuss in detail the power transition plan with Najib, who is also Umno deputy president.

najib abdullah 100408"The period of transition and so on were not mentioned in detail... matters such as when the transition will take place and so on will be discussed between him (Abdullah) and Najib," Bernama quoted Muhyiddin as telling reporters after the meeting.

He said Abdullah had previously stated openly that Najib would succeed him as Prime Minister.

Muhyiddin said that at the meeting, Abdullah explained issues that were raised concerning the last general election such as the factors for the defeat, support of the non-Malay voters and the young voters.

"He said initiatives are being planned to tackle these problems so that the party will be stronger," he said.

He said Abdullah asked leaders at all levels to assist in this matter.

Questions answered

Meanwhile, Johor Puteri Umno head Nor Aslina Zainal Abidin said the Johor Umno Liaison Body had asked Abdullah whether he had prepared any plan for a power transition.

"We did not ask Pak Lah to step down but there were insinuations for example that during the time of (first prime minister, the late) Tunku Abdul Rahman the transition of power to (the late) Tun Abdul Razak Hussein had gone smoothly, similarly during the time of Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad, the transition of power to Pak Lah also went smoothly."

Johor Umno information head Dr Mohd Puad Zarkashi, who is also Batu Pahat Umno chief, said that the power transition would answer questions raised by the people and boost support for the government.

Meanwhile, Johor Baharu Umno division head Shahrir Abdul Samad said Johor Umno did not call for Abdullah to step down.

He said the meeting, which was held very frankly, cordially and openly, only discussed the present and future political scenario of the party and BN.

“He knows. He has said it so many times. No call was made asking him to step down. Because he had already announced his own plans to sort it out together with Datuk (Seri) Najib,” he said.

“Abdullah will sort the matter out with (Datuk Seri) Najib after the Umno General Assembly. We will work together till the general assembly,” said the domestic trade and consumers affairs minister.