It is indeed comforting for us to learnt that Najib Razak has made a declaration of loyalty to Pak Lah by saying that he would not back stab him. Najib has in the past proved himself to be a man with the uncanny ability to swing the tide by making last-minute manoeuvres that would frustrate general expectations.

He has a history of putting down his cards the last after hard negotiations for the best possible terms for himself. His only concern, rightly or wrongly, is his continued political survival and gains.

The outcome of Umno's vice-presidential elections last week was a surprise to many observers. Isa Samad obtained the highest number of votes and is seen by Najib as the wise old veteran who had saved the political career of a number of senior politicians including himself.

Isa as VP will also go down well with Umno's old guard; an important consideration in order to hold on to the support of party veterans in times of crisis. He would certainly be able to play this role better than Ghafar Baba had played it in the past.

Muhyiddin Yassin, a loyal and dynamic person with a relatively clean record, fought his own battle and won, though his popular vote had been watered down by invisible hands. But thanks to the strength and solidarity of Johor Umno, he managed to hold on to his ground.

The return of Rahim Thamby Chik and the defeat of Mustapa Mohamed are other telling signs of invisible hands at work to show magnanimity to a spoiled political child of Dr Mahathir Mohamad and a potent display of pre-emptive amputation of potential foes. A masterly stroke indeed! Earlier pre-emptive strikes include the demolition of an old arch enemy, Ibrahim Ali.

The behind-the-scene stage play and the twists and turns of the Malaysian political scene have indeed never left us with a dull moment. We wish the country and the players well but would like to advise them not to overplay the political game.

The best advice is to follow the maxim of the late Hussein Onn: 'Politics is a dirty game but do make sure that your own hands are clean.'