Horse Trading for the Prime Ministership?

Well the undesirable but inevitable happened, Najib became our 6th PM. Many people had hoped that somehow Badawi could pull off an upset by deciding to stay on or the Agong could have rejected Najib as PM. Wishful thinking I would say.

From the various blogs sympathetic to Pakatan, you could read comments blaming the Agong, some blaming Badawi and of course fingers pointed at Najib. Nobody knows of course except the players involved. However I am inclined to believe that the Agong had no choice in the matter because Najib and Badawi conspired, yes conspired and agreed to the switch.

You would be wondering why Badawi would do that, considering Najib had brought in Mahathir during the UMNO general assembly who stole the thunder from Badawi's swan song, and to rub salt into the wounds, forced them to hold hands, or fingertips. Or how Mahathir had attacked Khairy's candidacy and ultimate win as Youth head.

So what could possibly have happened? Simple, I believe that horse trading took place in order for Badawi to step down. Badawi probably was promised or he demanded the following:
1. Khairy to be given a full ministership and to be insulated from further vicious attacks by Mahathir
2. UMNO Youth to show their full backing for Khairy
3. Badawi to receive a plum position as chairman of one of the GLCs
4. Cash as a retirement gift

We will see what transpires in the next few weeks. In the meantime, don't get too carried away by the steps taken by Najib in freeing the 13 ISA detainees and removing the ban on Pakatan's two publications. This has been carefully designed to provide publicity and mileage for the by-elections. If Najib had been sincere, he should have released all 5 Hindraf leaders, if not all of the ISA detainees. Don't be surprised then to see the two freed Hindraf leaders campaign earnestly for BN in the by-elections.

Simple take-away message from Najib, we will treat you nice if you are on our side. If not, be ready to feel the full force of the law, be it civil, criminal or ISA, against you. May God help us.