Dramatic Turnover of Mahathir's Resignation Decision

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Last updated at: (Beijing Time) Sunday, June 23, 2002

Dramatic Turnover of Mahathir's Resignation Decision

President of the Malaysian ruling UMNO Mahathir Mohamad agreed to continue to lead the UMNO an hour after he announced his decision to resign from the party presidency Saturday.

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Mahathir Offers, Withdraws Resignation

President of the Malaysian ruling UMNO Mahathir Mohamad agreed to continue to lead the UMNO an hour after he announced his decision to resign from the party presidency Saturday.

Mahathir, also Prime Minister, announced his resignation from the party post in his closing speech at the 56th General Assembly of the United Malays National Organization (UMNO) at the World Trade Center here.

Immediately after his announcement, UMNO Supreme Council members led by Deputy President Abdullah Ahmad Badawi gathered around Mahathir to persuade him to withdraw his decision.

In response to the sudden action, astonished delegates stood onshouting: "No, no; withdraw, withdraw..."

Abdullah urgently called on the delegates at the Assembly to unanimously reject party president Mahathir's decision to resign.

Chairman of the assembly Sulaiman Ninam Shah announced the adjournment of the meeting to calm down the situation at the Merdeka Hall where the general assembly was held, with Supreme Council members surrounding Mahathir and delegates being shocked by Mahathir's announcement. Then, Mahathir and the Supreme Councilmembers proceeded to a special room.

According to Supreme Council member Aziz Shamsuddin who was in the room, Mahathir was persuaded by Abdullah by telling him that all the UMNO members wanted him to continue to lead the party. Mahathir eventually agreed to withdraw his decision. "If that is so, I agree," Mahathir was quoted as saying.

Mahathir's decision to withdraw his resignation was announced by Abdullah about one hour after Supreme Council members succeededin persuading him to reconsider his decision on resignation.

Abdullah's announcement was warmly applauded by the delegates, Supreme Council members and observers who had filed into the hall to find out the latest development.

Emotional delegates sang the national anthem and recited the Koran for God's blessings.

"Mahathir did not give any indication that he was going to announce his resignation from the party at the general assembly, not even to his family members," said Aziz who has known Mahathir for 27 years after having served as his political secretary.

Mahathir, who declined to re-enter the hall, asked Abdullah to inform the delegates that he has withdrawn his decision.

He later left for home with his wife and other family members.

It was reported the UMNO Supreme Council held an emergency meeting at the party headquarters Saturday night, believed to discuss the evening's incident.

Commenting on the event, the president of the second largest political party -- Malaysia Chinese Association (MCA), Ling Liong Sik, expressed relief over Mahathir's decision to stay on, saying his leadership was still very much needed for many more years.

Meanwhile, President of the Malaysia Indian Congress (MIC) S. Samy Vellu said, "We will give him full backing to bring the nation forward."

In an exclusive interview with a local weekly last Sunday, Mahathir, who has been at the helm of UMNO for 21 years, expressedhis disappointment over his failure to change the attitude of the Malays in spite of various efforts.

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