Since Dr Mahathir Mohamad's resignation from Umno, it has failed to spark off a mass resignation from the party. Only his immediate family members, excluding Mukhriz, have quit but there has been no big names. Certainly, his "shock and awe" tactic in quitting Umno has jolted Umno members but it has not led to the kind of effect that the former Prime Minister would surely want to see. But many Malaysians are also worried at the line he has been using lately, particularly his remarks of possible racial unrest and allegations that groups were making demands because a weak government. Malaysians, regardless of their races, simply want to have a bigger say over the kind of government they want. They have voiced it loudly at the elections, that's all. Even BN leaders have acknowledged that times have changed. There's nothing racial or religious when Malaysians speak up, if they do so within the legal boundaries. Even Dr M is trying to sound like a democrat these days, calling for bigger democratic space including press freedom.
No one can argue that during his 22 year leadership, he brought massive development to Malaysia but we also paid a heavy price for it, compromising our institutions. But that's over. Whatever his weaknesses, his successor Abdullah Ahmad Badawi has opened up the country. Whether it was due to the political environment or his willingness to open up, Malaysians certainly enjoy greater freedom. He allowed the Lingam inquiry and got the BN burnt big time during the elections. It was the last straw for Dr M. For many Umno members, they find some of Pak Lah's reforms disturbing and a threat to their positions. Ministers Zaid Ibrahim, Shahrir Samad and Ahmad Shabeery Cheek, for example, have been openly criticised at Umno functions for their reforms. Will the reformists get their way in Umno or they will be put on fire?