Gerakan and MCA we are told, are of the opinion that all BN components should be "involved' and "consulted" on the Abdullah – Najib transition plan. It's only natural that they want in (in the talks ).After all they are friends of UMNO. Their take on the matter must surely worth something if not everything. So they say.

And the issue at hand is the prime ministership of Malaysia – not just the presidency of a political party (in this case UMNO's). In accordance with an unwritten law based on understanding and mutual agreement of all quarters involved, it is normal practise that the leader of the largest party in the BN coalition be appointed the prime minister. With UMNO said to be the largest BN component, UMNO president is Malaysian PM. That can or have been the "cause" of many a problem for UMNO. There have been voices of concern previously that the all important decision of who is to be PM of Malaysia is made by a "handful" of UMNO members "lucky" enough to be delegates at the party general assembly where polls of the top posts are held every three years ( in accordance to party constitution but can be delayed by the supreme council for reasons it deem right).

Hence we have had bold "opinions" that the prime ministership must be decided by the people of Malaysia via polling ( like the general election ) or a nation wide referendum. Nothing came out of it. Probably never will. Some say the country is not ready for such a thing.

For UMNO,the present formula of UMNO president = PM Malaysia is fine. But there are folks within the party who say all party members must be allowed to make their choice via the ballot box. They are talking about every UMNO member not just the two thousand odd delegates at the general assembly. (Incidently direct election of party president by all party members is also being promised by Ong Tee Keat if he wins the presidency at the MCA polls later this month. But that's another story).

But for now and perhaps for years to come,the present format stays. Which brings us back to the call made by Gerakan and MCA about the transition plan. Abdullah has responded, saying he will meet the BN components. But just how much influence the components will have on the shape of the plan is anybody's guess.

Still like mentioned earlier, the call made by the BN components is valid. They want to have a say. Even in UMNO there are quarters who are unhappy about the transition plan. Not only are they not happy on how the plan has been outlined but there are some who question why it only involve Abdullah and Najib only. In other words they do not want the future leadership to be pre determined by the current leadership. While some see the plan as a smooth hand over of power others see it as something enforced, one which is being shoved and forced down their throat. Which is not saying they are rejecting Najib or even Abdullah for that matter. It is just they want to decide on their own.

The postponement of party polls from December to March next year has not gone well with some UMNO divisions. The Muar division for one is crying foul. The Cheras division have named Najib and Muhyiddin Yassin as their choice for the two top party posts even before its AGM and without waiting for the final decision of Abdullah whether he wants to defend his post or otherwise. A blatant act of insubordination or acting independently?

Obviously, who ever lead UMNO and BN have a lot to do to make "things happy".There are many unhappy faces now.

Perhaps "unhappy" is not the right word to use.But hey the Raya mood is still in the air.Everybody should be happy. And its not too late to wish all Selamat Hari Raya, albeit belated. (By MOHSIN ABDULLAH/ MySinchew)