I know when to go says Pak Lah

(Today Online) – Outgoing Malaysian Prime Minister Abdullah Ahmad Badawi acknowledged yesterday that there are some quarters in the United Malays National Organisation (Umno) who want to push him out of office sooner, but he said he knows when to go.

"I know what I am supposed to do and I will do what I want to do. There is no need to disturb me," he told reporters after giving a speech to launch Umno’s five-day general assembly. Speaking to the 2,500 Umno delegates, he asked them to ensure that the leaders they will choose are not only respected by party members but also the people in general, according to The Star.

Mr Abdullah was concerned that the intense campaigning involving dirty tactics had gone out of hand and it was "Umno members killing off Umno members".

The Umno president warned that the members themselves would ultimately destroy the party if they continued with their backstabbing tactics.

On a lighter note, Mr Abdullah told reporters he did not feel sad at all about handing over the party’s leadership.

"I would be happy to see Umno doing well and I would be happy if the Umno people are very happy. But if they all cry then perhaps I will also follow them and cry, but I don’t believe I will," he quipped.