The 2 Barisan Nasional (BN) MPs from Sabah Progressive Party (SAPP), Eric Enchin Majimbun (Sepanggar) and Dr. Chua Soon Bui (Tawau) will support the motion of no-confidence against the Prime Minister filed by Opposition Leader, Wan Azizah Wan Ismal (PKR - Permatang Pauh).

“This expression of support reiterates Sapp’s loss of confidence in the prime minister and the need for urgent government measures to address issues on Sabah rights and current concerns (inflation) plaguing the state,” said a statement issued by the party today.

The nation is greeted with news that Prime Minister, Abdullah Ahmad Badawi is set to retire in June 2010, after which he will hand over to his deputy, Najib Tun Razak. His announcement today is widely believed to pre-empt possible challenges to the UMNO President post by Muhyiddin Yassin and Tengku Razaleigh Hamzah (Ku Li) in the December party polls.

Why 2 years?

“My wish is to strengthen the party and carry out the implementation of programmes and promises made at election time.”

“Najib also needs time to prepare the party for the next elections - whether it’s 2012 or 2013.”

Response by Ku Li

“This handover thing is unconstitutional and it is not something that should be passed down from one leader to another.”

“The matter of Umno’s presidency and in turn, Malaysia’s prime ministership, should be endorsed by the grassroots.”

“”I will continue fighting for the president’s position. What was endorsed or decided by supreme council today does not portray the wishes of the grassroots.”

Pakatan Rakyat files no-confidence motion against Abdullah

The Pakatan Rakyat coalition today file a no-confidence motion against Abdullah. Opposition Leader, Wan Azizah Wan Ismail (PKR - Permatang Pauh) filed an urgent motion at the Dewan Rakyat Speakers’ office late this afternoon.

Dewan Rakyat Speaker, Pandikar Amin Mulia is expected to decide whether or not to allow the motion when Parliament sitting resumes next Monday.

Mahathir: Najib will never become PM

Former Prime Minister, Mahathir Mohamad in his blog www.chedet.com predicted that Abdullah will not keep his words to hand over the Prime Minister post to Najib.

He claimed that although Abdullah promises that Najib would succeed him by 2010, allegations would be hurled against the Deputy Prime Minister before then to show up his inability to take over.

“Somebody who is deemed more loyal to Datuk Seri Abdullah will replace him. The replacement candidate will not take over the prime minister’s post in 2010 because he lacks experience. Datuk Seri Abdullah will then hang on to his post until the 13th General Election.”

“If the people’s current trend of thinking continues, Barisan Nasional will lose the elections and Datuk Seri Abdullah will no longer be the prime minister. Therefore, there will be nothing for Datuk Seri Najib to take over from.”