While most people were surprised by Prime Minister Abdullah Ahmad Badawi in appointing Najib Abdul Razak as his deputy, I am not surprised at all.

This is not a choice really but an astute move by the prime minister to preempt any attempt by Najib to challenge him for the presidency of Umno. If the PM appointed anyone else to the position, you can bet your last dollar that Najib will challenge the PM for the president's post.

By making Najib deputy, he can never challenge PM in the near future, lest he be seen as ungrateful and uncouth. With this move, the PM has consolidated his position.