Prime Minister Dr Mahathir Mohamad proposed Malay unity talks with PAS and Keadilan with brilliant tactical precision.

The Barisan Nasional government, especially Umno, is buffetted in a heavy political storm and put through its paces by the racial confrontation caused by the Suqiu proposals, the fallout from the Lunas by-election, the MAS bailout and shifting Malay support.

Until a fortnight ago.