Pak Lah: To step down on April 2? (update)

That was what was reported by Malaysiakini.

According to the report, incoming Umno president Datuk Seri Najib Razak will be sworn in as the country's sixth Prime Minister two days later, on April 4.

The cabinet will be informed at its weekly meeting this afternoon that the transfer of power is on, and that Pak Lah would go to the palace on April 3 to meet the Yang diPertuan Agong.

Pak Lah to exit on April 2?
Mar 20, 09 9:25am

Prime Minister Abdullah Ahmad Badawi is expected to step down on April 2, five days after he is to quit as Umno leader at the party’s general assembly.

It is learnt that Abdullah will inform the cabinet at its weekly meeting this afternoon that the transfer of power is on, and that he would go to the palace on April 3 to meet the Agong.Subsequently, incoming Umno president Najib Abdul Razak is expected to
be sworn in as the country’s sixth prime minister on April 4.

Ruling party Umno will have its general assembly next week over three days from March 26 to 28 where it will hold its hotly-contested party polls.

Najib, who is the only candidate for party president, will officially be annointed the new Umno leader at the general assembly.

The power transfer will happen days before three crucial by-elections in Bukit Gantang (Perak), Bukit Selambau (Kedah) and Batang Ai (Sarawak) - all to take place on April 7.

Power transfer not raised at meeting - upadated 5.05pm

However, several ministers later denied that the matter was raised during the cabinet meeting.

At his post-cabinet press conference, Transport Minister Ong Tee Keat said that the matter was not discussed during the cabinet meeting.

Abdullah's continued silence on the date of handing over the reins has caused some concern and alarm.

There is also speculation that the premier - who came under tremendous pressure to quit following the March 8 polls - might just decide to stay in office. (Read "2 April atau 4 bulan lagi? ) .

The protracted delay is also bad for Najib whose popularity appears to be on the decline.

Commenting on the matter, Umno strongman and Bandar Tun Razak division leader Syed Ali Abbas Alhabshee said: "I hope its true. Why wait any longer."