The 2010 power transition plan is no longer applicable. Regardless how unwilling Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi is, everything will be over very soon. Also, regardless how strong is his will to fight, he is unable to sustain for two years as he wishes.

Umno 's top decision making body has agreed for the new date, which is on March 2009, about half of a year from now.

The 2010 power transition plan has collapsed a few days ago. Abdullah and his camp understood that it was inevitable. They could only try to delay the date and fight for a longer period of time. That is why rumours about changing the power transition date to June 2009 were spread.

However, the change of the date to March 2009, which seems to be a big compromise to Abdullah, is unable to be happily accepted by the party's power brokers.

It is scheduled in March as under the party constitution, it is the deadline to hold the General Assembly (unless the Registry of Societies approves an extension). Also, it gives Abdullah ample time to prepare for it.

Some people may say that Abdullah did not mention stepping down in March next year, it is just the new date for the party's General Assembly and party elections.

There are only slight differences. When the power transition plan collapsed, the agreement of no contest for the party president and deputy president positions was as well cancelled.

If Abdullah wishes to renew his term of office, he must take part in the match. At that time, his opponents are not confined only to Gua Musang Umno Division Chief Tengku Razaleigh, but as well more capable Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak. Even if Najib is unwilling to challenge Abdullah, his supporters will not agree with him.

Moreover, Abdullah must first obtain 58 distirct nominations in order to contest for the president post. The number seems not optimistic in the current situation.

Unless Abdullah throws caution to the wind and takes the risk of failure, he has no choice but to step down.

Next, we will wait for a week or two to see how Abdullah is going to make an announcement. More importantly, we will see how Abdullah establishes his place in history in the remaining time. (By TAY TIAN YAN/ Translated by SOONG PHUI JEE/ Sin Chew Daily)