How can Datuk Seri Mohd Ali Rustam be barred from contesting to be the Umno Deputy President for involvement in money politics (euphemism for corruption) but yet be fit to continue as the Malacca Chief Minister?
The same question applies to Khairy Jamaluddin, who was given a warning for being involved in money politics – as to how he could continue even as MP for Rembau.
I posed these questions in Parliament during the 2008 Supplementary Estimates after the announcement by the Umno Disciplinary Board this evening.
In my speech, I quoted the interview by the Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department, Datuk Seri Nazri Aziz in Sunday Star (8.3.09) on money politics in the Umno elections, where he admitted:
“It’s still quite rampant except that it has gone underground.”
In response to the question: “Why do you think members have gone to the MACC rather than the Umno disciplinary board?”, Nazri replied:
“Actually, a corrupt act cannot be settled at the party disciplinary board level as it is not an offence just against Umno that can be sorted out internally. It goes beyond Umno. It is an offence against the state so nothing can stop MACC from coming in because all these complaints are made by Umno members.”
When will MACC move against Ali and Khairy?
Aiya YB Kit that simple to answer, it is all clown show lah. You think they are serious on getting corruption check? To be corruption free in UNMO mean dissolution, none seem to be clean.
Can you imagine this ex Selangor MB is free from any wrong doings? The first person we should ask is Nades. By now Citizen Nades can writ a think book on this guy ? It was plentiful on what this guy have done but can you imagine he may be PM of Malaysia one day. May all should consider what RPK has suggested that , Migrate ?
Why was Khairy only warned but Ali Rustam banned. Was Khairy only a little bit guilty just like woman a little bit pregnant?
Was it a classification difference for MACC to take action?
Money politics as in vote buying is considered by MACC & its commissioner as corruption. However the UMNO Disciplinary Board found them guilty of vote buying via “wrongdoing of their agents” as if to impute that persons guilty have not themselves committed any offence but only their agents, which can hardly be the correct position because otherwise every corrupt politician could get off scotfree if he perpetrated the offence through proxies and agents, and MACC would in no time become Mana Ada Corruption Agency! :)
You are also quite right in asking how a person found unfit – and hence barred from contesting election – can still continue to hold positions which are normally given as a reward for contesting and winning the elections. There is an anomaly here and is hard to understand the logic!
““Actually, a corrupt act cannot be settled at the party disciplinary board level as it is not an offence just against Umno that can be sorted out internally. It goes beyond Umno. It is an offence against the state so nothing can stop MACC from coming in because all these complaints are made by Umno members.””
That’s well said, Nazri !!
Now at least 3 questions come to mind.
Are these crimes against the state so ‘untouchable’ that the criminals are still allowed to run riot elsewhere?
Is the MACC such a toothless tiger given that it is still mum on this matter?
Or is this sandiwara-purge just a veiled yet-to-be more sinister plot?
It is very likely that the Federal cabinet and the state cabinet of Umno-controlled states will be reshuffled after Umno party election. “Having committed Money Politics” is the easiest accusation which can be made for use as the reason to launch a full-fledged attack on AAB’s faction by Najib’s faction.
A four-eye meeting between AAB and Anwar is now causing the escalation of the intense internal rifle and fierce factional fight within Umno itself. Umno’s warlordism seems like growing prolifically and the consequential political instability is going to cause further economic downturn in the Malaysian economy. Those MPs of BN who are unhappy with Najib’s poor performance in solving the current alarming economic crisis should support the proposed cooperation between AAB’s faction and Pakatan Rakyat in order to table a motion of No Confidence against Najib for purpose of voting Najib out of the Prime Minister’s office when Najib really attempts to cause his own appointment as the PM of Malaysia in the near future.
A unity government seems to be the only viable solution in order to bring forth a rapid and united national effort for coping with the ever-worsening off economic crisis.
Its just a political game within umno – to sideline certain people. Dont read too much into this episode. As we all know, fish rots from the head.
Forget about Umno.
Let’s build up our party or parties to win the next general election.
This is a life time opportunity, unlikely to repeat itself.
Looks like somebody is made a scapegoat. The real culprits walk away scot free. Malaysia Boleh !
Bull! Ali Rustam’s case (just like Azalina) is just political purging. If you want to take action on money politics, EVERY LEADER in Umno is guilty, not just Badawi’s faction.
The question now is will Ali Rustam take it lying down? Badawi’s people are being purged even before he steps down. Will he do anything? There is power in him yet. Badawi could call a vote of confidence on himself to stop Najib becoming PM and if he loses he could advise the Agung to dissolve Parliament for snap elections.
People, what has become of Malaysia? It’s a one party show, everything is boleh regardless of whatever laws and constitutions long held. Every one from MP to street guys are in danger if u do not follow what the C4 guy wants; no one shall be spared including foreigner. Hantu.
It’s another ‘sandiwara’ from UMNO. By the way, why only a handful? What about the others? Are they all free from money-politics?
Next step, let’s see if MACC is going to act.
“When will MACC move against Ali and Khairy?” (Lim Kit Siang)
Ali will be removed from the post of CM of Melaka as soon as the state cabinet is to be reshuffled. Whether the cabinet reshuffling will happen or not will depend on whether AAB is able to cause the performing of a table of motion of confidence towards AAB himself as the PM if Najib attempts to remove AAB from the post of PM.
MACC will move against Ali and Khairy as soon as AAB is no longer holding the post of the Prime Minister. AAB will attempt hard to hold on to his power as the PM for the sake of his best supporter Ali and of his best son-in-law Khairy. Therefore, Umno factional fight is going to continue for the next few years because the factional clash has been intensified and the great damages have already been done up to the extent of no way to return to peaceable state in Umno.
Pakatan Rakyat leaders,
Now it is the time for you to decide early in order to make an early preparation for your PR coalition.
If AAB makes a request to PR MPs that a vote of confidence be cast in the Parliament towards him in order to give him support that will enable him to hold onto the post of the Prime Minister, will you be willing to respond positively to such a friendly request of AAB?
Pakatan Rakyat leaders,
As the old saying goes, “There is neither permanent friend nor permanent foe in politics!”
Will you be ready to lower your par based on expediency for the time being in order to extend AAB’s political life as the PM of Malaysia until the date of the 13th General Election for the sake of saving some of your comrades from the political persecution being orchestrated by Najib?
Pakatan Rakyat leaders,
Are you not afraid of Najib’s going to become the next PM of Malaysia in view of Najib’s never ever wanting to let go the privilege of the Prime Minister in relation to the rights to invoke the ISA in order to strengthen his grab of political power?
Are you not afraid that the name of you yourself may also be included as one in the proposed namelist of the ISA detainees in event that Op Lallang II is to happen in the next few months?
Well guys,now we have a proven corrupted chief minister in the country and PM in waiting said it’s ok for him to stay. You know guys,I just could not believe he said that. Who ‘s calling the shot.AAB or NR ? If AAB did not response to NR’s shot,then it’s clear that AAB’s indeed a toothless Pm since the 12 general election.Hey guys aren’t you feel ashamed that we have corrupted ministers and officials in the government. How can we to explain to our children and outsiders/tourists about corrupted people still allow to hold on to high office ?.Oh yeap,umno youth what have you guys got to say about your D.chief and the Malacca CM being found guilty as charged.I ‘m 100% sure you would have shouted at the top of your voice demanding the resignation should it happened to your adversary.Now show us you are righteous and not a bunch of hypocrites.
Yes….found guilty..barred from contesting….and still CM of Melaka.
I guess…..if one bribes for UMNO in an election…not involving personal benefits…it is OK.
Bribery is clearly encouraged..which means…stealing from Malaysians also OK…as log as you know how to do it.
This corrupted.. rascal…Rustam..said UMNO will rule forever.
That carries weight to continue as CM….I guess.
If Islam teaches corruptions and stealing is OK….then why do Yemen chop fingers or hands of thieves?
Clearly…UMNO is insulting the Islamic religion…with their hypocracies and double standards in life for Malaysians.
You should see a photo showing Mat Bin Mat hugging him…both smiling.
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…this wayang is ..interesting…Will all of Badawi’s men and women now take this bashing lying down or standing up….and that too when the economy is already in minus territory…..
If it wasn’t such a bad time globally….LKY may have bought Malaysia…what a laugh his country has become..
Let replace the UMNO with Republican party and Melaka with State of Texas where I am at now. So, Governor Perry was caught of corruption in trying to win the Republican Vice-President seat if there is one. But, the Republican disciplinary board say you cannot contest for the VP but you can stay on as a Governor of Texas.
You know what I say that will never happen because Republican will never touch or claim to be a corruption expert. Also, they will probably leave it to the FBI to investigate that. Only in Malaysia UMNO try to do MACC work, PDRM and State Secretary try to be State Parliament authority, Judge try to be over State Parliament and lots more. What a monkey government we have and we are blessed with a first a first corrupt Menteri Besar. WE should go out and celebrate don’t we because we like to be screw in the back and enjoy it as well.
Corruption is not seen as wrong. It is viewed by many as acceptable behaviours in their environment.
For decades, our society and ” leaders” stop taking these criminal behaviors seriously and now they are almost impossible to control.
In the best interest of the country, we got to look for good leadership outside BN….quickly!
themalaysianinsider.com:
“The sentiment among the grassroots is that nearly all the candidates are tainted by some form of “vote-buying”, and Mohd Ali has not committed any worst offence than other candidates.
This has presented the senior Umno leadership with a huge dilemma because it wants to reverse the perception of Umno being a corrupt party.”
Face it: Corruption is in UMNO’s DNA. You can’t ‘clean’ DNA. You simply die with your DNA. So folks, let’s just expect UMNO to die – and die it will quite soon. The cancer is simply too deep in the bone marrow. The writing is not only on the wall; the gravediggers have gone to work.
Looks like UMNO’s about to implode. Yes, our wishes may finally come true but like a deck of cards that is gelled together by corruption, all it takes is a minor jerk. But in the midst of UMNO today, the biggest JERK of them all is resorting to whatever means to justify his stay, even to the extent of his wife exhorting God to side him.
Yes, looks like another C4 is on its way and hopefully, this time it is bound to the party of the ruling party. In this case, I bet no one will shed a tear when it goes KABOOOOOOMMMM except perhaps, TDM :).
unmo may appoint Ali the new Sultan of Melaka to appease his supporters
With Pakatan Rakyat throwing its full weight behind Badawi, it only takes about 30 MPs from BN to side with Badawi in a vote of confidence in order to stop Najib becoming PM. This is not difficult to get as Badawi has his own faction in Umno numbering about 20 according to RPK. So he only needs another 10 or so from the component parties. It’s almost a done deal.
The only thing left is to persuade Badawi to stay on as PM. That’s the job of PR leaders. Do PR leaders want to wait for Najib to be PM and unleash a wave of oppression against them? YB Kit, please take the lead.
And what should be the price for PR’s support of Badawi if he is successfully retained as PM? New elections in Perak, that should be the price. It’s a win-win situation for both.
Yes, I can see your point YB. In fact, it crossed my mind too. May be they have charted certain course to pacify the critics and also from UMNO members.
But, I cant see any charted course that will be in line with any common sense for justice, and people centric organisation.
Let see how the UMNO political roulette will be like in just next few days.
I want to know why the bugger is not in jail already, his fortune confiscated and given to orphans and widows, and even a noose around his neck!!
OK So the noose thing is a bit too much but seriously, the guy should have been thrown into jail if UMNO have any chance of ever reforming at least what most Malaysian imagine reform to be some approximate of what they have done anywhere else.
The kinds of reform Malaysian hope for and those possibly imagined by UMNO/BN leaders is like night and day. If they can’t imagined what is being hoped for what chance is it ever going to be reality? Zip…
It looks like all our leaders need to have some “baggage” as otherwise they will not be considered true “politicians”. This might include experiences with explosives, extra marital affairs, corruption and the like.
MACC can only stay in the sidelines and watch toothlessly, awaiting instructions as to what it should do and say and to find loopholes as to why culprits should be allowed to get away.
If Ali is guilty of corruption and money politics, then everyone should band together to get rid of him. He can no longer stay as MB or hold any public posts including being MPs and SAs.
How is it that all these corrupt politicians can amass so much money and wealth? The powers there be should ask them to account for all these funds and war chests.
The income tax department should investigate whether tax has been paid for all these monies. Similarly, Bank Negara should investigate whether there has been money laundering aplenty by all these corrupt rogues.
Is it time that the frogs will start hopping from the coconut shell? How many frogs will be out of UMNO?
Raison de’etre of ruling party is patronage, which of course can slip easily down the proverbial slope to corruption. However citizenry are now better informed. So they delivered message in last GE on 308 that they would reject such politics by voting in Opposition into 5 states, demolished the traditional two third parliamentary majority by sending in over 80 PR parliamentarians. It marks beginning of the end. They know they have to reinvent image, so the need for MACC and JAC and other institutions. However they cannot overcome and change 50 years of ingrained habits, so these institutions operate for show and hypocrisy becomes pervasive. It manifests in selective application of rewards and punishment in the exercise of political and government manoeuvering and power both in relation to people inside and those outside.
An example of selective application on inside people is barring Mr Likeable from contesting in party elections on charge of vote buying, albeit by agents. The problem is that sentiment amongst – and knowledge of – the grass root supporters is that nearly all the candidates are tainted by some form of “vote-buying”, and Mr Likeable has not committed any worst offence than other candidates who are manoeuvred to situation bereft of serious competition. That’s the problem is pretending hypocritically as a body to be what one is basically not. One is bound to selectively exonerate the favoured ones and use the ones outside one’s camp as scapegoats to deliver the intended message of being otherwise. This, in turn, riles supporters of those sacrificed and accelerates implosion from within. The rumblings are so serious that supreme council will need to have an emergency meeting to address rampant discontent over the party’s disciplinary panel’s selective decision to bar Mr Likeable!
Then there are pressures exerted from the outside – from Opposition and civil society. They find bountiful opportunities to criticise one’s hypocrisy and inconsistency. So one embarks on silencing the most vocal of the critics including charging a prominent lawyer for sedition of disrespecting monarch institution when one own self was responsible for ‘disrespecting’ in the sense of taking away rulers personal immunity by constitutional amendments of 1993. This is another case of selective punishment.
Therein lies the crux of the problem: a leopard trying to divest its spots but since the spots are in the DNA, and cannot be removed, it does a cosmetic paint job thinking it would get away with it based on hypocrisy and selective meting out of favours and punishment. In the end, it pleases nobody whether inside and outside. People are better informed nowadays and unlike yesteryears could spot selective application of rules, laws, favours and punishment from a mile away.
Political support stems from supporters’ perception of fair distribution of rewards and punishment from the centre of power. This is where moral legitimacy to lead is derived. The moment every exercise of power and governance is perceived constantly “selective” and “hypocritical”, then legitimacy flies out of the window and support dwindles in downward spiral, accelerating implosion from pressures within – and without.
308 signifies the idea of change from traditional ways that has come. It is hard to fight it. The dilemma and challenge is nothing done by one on the decline since 308 (for standing in the way of that idea) who is caught in a bind of trying to be what one is not, could be right, no matter how one try…
This is part of the evolving process of change.
If UMNO does not manage it properly, it may cause permanent damage to the party’s survival.
I think we need to look at it from their viewpoint too. Otherwise they might as well dissolve the party and go home to growing …..
Hell, no way they will do that when they still control the government.
Laws of the land are laws of the land. Ther are distinct from laws of umno. In umno all members will be subject to the laws of umno only. When they are so subjected, the laws of the land will be dissapplied. The laws of the land are passed by parliament. In the world such laws are supreme laws. But in malaysia, umno laws are supreme to the laws passed by parliament. Once a person joins umno he will be shielded from the laws of the land and will be subjected to laws of umno and the internal process of the party only. And it is also black box to all of us for none of us who is outside the party can ever question or know anything about the going on inside the party.
Stupid and totally illogical argument. I know. I know. We all know that well and clear. Its only those goons. That is what those umno idiots believe. And guess what. Since Umno is the government, those idiots can actually put what they believe into practice. So umno became one privileged body. They are certainly above the rest of us. In fact they could just be greater than GOD. Yeah. They are Tuan Rempit McBullys. No less.
So say if an umno member were to commit murder and the umno disciplinary committee cleared him, he will be ok. No problem. That’s by umno laws. If that is done parliament laws means nothing to him and he cannot be charged in court. If a plain Joe Ahmad (non umno member) were to commit murder he will certainly face the death penalty. Now this is malaysia. Our malaysia under the hands of umno.
UMNO is corrupted to the core. It has no respect for the rights of the citizens. It twists the laws to apply them any way it prefers and hijacks the institutions as its instruments of oppression and self-service. It doesn’t have a conscience of fairness, equality, justice.
The people are waking up and are not willing to take it any longer.
The opening of the Declaration of Independence written by Thomas Jefferson in 1776, states as follows: “We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty, and the Pursuit of Happiness.”
Granted we are not Americans, but Malaysians equally aspire to be treated like how the Amrecian professes to treat its ciizens.
Institutionalized racism is TOTALLY unacceptable!
“Institutionalized racism is TOTALLY unacceptable!”
Maybe so but it is legitimized by the country’s constitution.
It appears that Najis and Tun Mamak will have a curry dinner and Abdullah’s boys will be left out. We will see some frogs from the left out in invitation list to join Najis camp…the left over either join AAB for a long holiday or join PR…very unlikely though.
A temporary truce between the 2 factions, more fire works will appear in the next round between the Guru and his blue eye boy….
We know that this clowns practise selective prosecution even at party level, but we should not concern ourselves with injustice inside the den of thieves. Worry about their selective prosecution on the Opposition – something which was perfected by none other than the Mamakthir, and now to be resurrected by Najis.
sorry, “these clowns”…
Those investigated but found not guilty does not necessarily mean that they are clean.
It could be because they are so adept at corrupt practices that they could do it without being detected.
These kind in fact are even more dangerous.
Ini sudah biasa dengan muno ini, ada dua standard. Those who really corrupt are still holding the important post. Our country resources are on thier disposal. Look how they spend the money. This correctly should call politic corruption.
You know what ? Ali Rusty appeals the decision to bar him, and soon the Supreme Council will overturn the decision of the disciplinary committee. Everyone lives happily ever after – save for the buggered rakyat.
Yeah. It is a mockery of our integrity standards. In one breadth UMNO says that Ali is corrupt and not fit to hold party positions but he is not corrupt enough to hold GOVERNMENT positions. Tak Malu ke??
I suspect this whole exercise is political assasination but trying to soothe the angry feelings of the vanquished. That the hidden hand could go to such lengths to destroy their own kind, it is thus no surprise that the underhand tactics to grab power in Perak happened. And this will be the future of Malaysian politics. Anyone who stands in the way of those in power would be destroyed. Watch out folks!!
Now that they have found some parties guilty of corruption, UMNO should forward the case to MACC for further action. Unless they are above the laws of Malaysia.
http://malaysiawatch4.blogspot.com/2009/03/malaysiakini-and-umnos-money-politics.html
Initially after reading this headline, I thought Mr Lim Kit had a point. However, after further thoughts, I think there is no real connction between Rustam’s running for UMNO Deputy President or his position as Malacca CM, why? Because his role in money politics has only been proven recently while his long held job as Malacca CM was not gained through money politics or other corrupt practises. Furthermore, his competence as Malacca CM has been proven through his effective administration.
While his recent barring from elections comes as a direct result of his vote buying, his role as Malacca CM should remain until a time when Najib reshuffles the cabinet, which I assume will be done soon after he takes the rope of premiership.
This shows that UMNO has all along been practising ‘triple standards’ and ‘selective prosecution’ in this country just because outsiders cannot exert any influence on their ‘culture’.
It seems to give people a perception that the party is filled with tainted personality and do not mind accepting any tainted character into their fold so long the party can agin a foothold in power anywhere, any corner in the country, like the 2 PKR members in Perak who are under prosecution in the court of law for corruptions.
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As the Iowa Congressman stated in the radio interview in USA, those tainted characters should follow the Japanese culture, apologise and bow infront of all Malaysians, then followed by 2 options…….
If Nazri was bold enough to have Gobind suspended from the Parliament, can he also be bold enough to be true to his words and push MACC to investigate & charge the Malacca CM & the son-in-law of the current PM, based on the recent findings of the UMNO disciplinary board?
This is no surprise! If they can let off Ahmad the racist by just suspending him from the party for 1 year even when he is proven to have committed sedition with his racist remarks, what is the big deal about money politics committed by Ali? After all, money politics and corruption are the basis of UMNO, the whole of UMNO is built on these principles and not following them would mean that one is a traitor!
Umno has a sky high standard. Way waay waaay above our standard. Now that is the logic. So you see. If some umno goon is found to be not good enough to hold position in umno and therefore cannot stand for party election he would in any event still be MORE than good enough to hold position as CM.
Get it or not? Huh?
MACC announced a while ago: No evidence of money politics in Umno.
Now Umno admitted there is money politics, which is a serious problem.
MACC will soon follow up by saying: Yes, there is money politics in Umno ans we will investigate what we are ordered to investigate.
Umnoputras are more efficient than MACC officers.
On another note, during this recession time, anyone who needs financial assistance should join Maika Holdings Bhd. Its chief executive officer of Maika Holdings Bhd, S. Vell Paari, is a very caring individual.
Vell Paari admitted that Sujatha had accompanied him to several official functions.
He also admitted that he had accompanied Sujatha and her family members twice to India for her medical treatment, which he had funded.
Sujatha had also accompanied him to Australia. Vell Paari’s wife Shaila Nair had never followed them during these trips.
Vell Paari denied having a sexual relationship with Sujatha, but said that he would normally go to her house for official reasons and also during functions.
Geethan: You are a caring employer.
Vell Paari: Yes, I do that for all my staff.
Geethan: Is it the norm for you to buy a house for your employee?
Vell Paari: Yes, the amount has been higher for some of them.
Hey Hey guys,please pause for a second. You know and I know that we can sleep,share the same master bed with an enemy but it’s impossible to share the same dreams with him or her. Reference to KennyGan.
All this just for show. Just looking at the STAR today make me want to purge my lunch! UMNO’s version of guilty is a joke!
Now Zaid Ibrahim calls on the Agung not to appoint Najib as PM. Do you think His Majesty is above politics? After what happened in Perak, I have no confidence.
To forestall the Agung appointing Najib as PM, the opposition must take the initiative to call for a vote of confidence in Badawi. With full support from all opposition MPs and 30+ from BN, the vote can carry.
This will certainly give His Majesty pause in appointing Najib as PM as this is a clear indication that Najib does not command the confidence of majority of the Assembly, If HRH goes ahead and appoint Najib, a vote of no confidence will bring him down.
This is the best option to stop Najib becoming PM. Petitions and appeals have only a slim chance of working.
///Badawi could call a vote of confidence on himself to stop Najib becoming PM and if he loses he could advise the Agung to dissolve Parliament for snap elections.///– Kennygan
AAB must have been stronger when he was forced to change the date of departure than he is now, two weeks from the deadline when he is dead as PM. He was unable to stand his ground to stick to date he had agreed. He chose to follow the order of UMNO MT when he had nothing to lose by insisting to keep the date. In fact, even if the MT should pass a vote of no confidence he needed not seek royal approval to stay as PM. If the MT could remove him then, they can remove him now that a new UMNO president will be installed on 28th March. We saw what happened in Perak, and it is going to happen in Kuala Lumpur should AAB fail to toe the lie, and in good rhythm.
If I were Najis, I would tell Ali Rusty this:
Be a good boy, and accept the decision of the Disciplinary committee. I will give you a part of the stimulus package that I just announced, and you can spend the rest of your days in real comfort.
Loh,
If Badawi refuses to resign as PM, he can only be removed by a vote of no confidence in Parliament and not by Umno MT. Note that MT did not remove him, he was pressured to resign. There is also no constitutional requirement for the PM to be the Umno President.
Passing a vote of no confidence against the sitting PM has its risks for Umno. The PM can request the Agung to dissolve Parliament if he loses and call snap elections.
This bum has already been found guilty of “CORRUPTION” and was barred from UMNO election, but yet he can still be a CM. What a bunch of circus clowns.
BTW, where are all these super fast MACC heroes??? If these guys are opposition, you can bet they are already investigating their cases NOW.
Hmmm..just wait and see what these super dupers going to do that their masters are found to be corrupted… Just wait and see.
It’s obvious who is the boss of MACC… :(
I don’t believe that AAB is going to do the brave thing and change the course of history.
It will be totally against his past behaviour and MO but of course miracles do happen.
But I agree that UMNO cannot operate in isolation from the laws of the nation.
http://malaysiawatch4.blogspot.com/2009/03/malaysiakini-readers-suggest-umno.html
The chances of AAB staying on against his own word (albeit justified on interest of country) are zilch!
He cannot go back on his word. If he had any reservations about retiring he would not have first announced and reaffirmed it repeatedly. The pros and cons on his personal scale of weigning is more pros to retire than to stay on.
He cannot remain as PM on a vote of confidence made possible on the back of an enbloc opposition vote in his favour. It is as good as asking him to defect and join Pakatan Rakyat.
In fact it is odd that any warlord from BN could become a PM based on majority of Parliamentary support structured upon and inclusive of solid Opposition’s support. It is not an option unless a unity government is first in place. Even then AAB may not want to stay on. Retirement, less stressful activity like farming and fishing here or golfing in Perth beckon instead of having to counter opposition charges and having to tame an unruly bunch of warlords more ruthless and having a greater war chest of money than him, and aspiring to take his place.
Calling Tun Mahathir to come back as PM, no matter how unlikely, would still stand a notch better chance than AAB’s coming back!