I refer to the Malaysiakini report PM not contesting, to quit in March.

With Pak Lah's long awaited announcement not to contest Umno's top post, it is going to be a power struggle and vacuum within the party with everyone clamouring for a big slice.

It is a wide open race that may no longer be controlled or pre-determined. It is going to be an ‘awakening’ that may see quite a number of bold moves to challenge the traditional rule of party discipline and servitude.

The rewards and glory that go with holding a high position in the party that has ruled since independence with only a showcase of other component parties, are tremendous and prominent.

We can expect to see campaigning on a scale unprecedented in Malaysian politics. Everyone wants to try to get to the few top posts claiming they are ready and willing to bear the yoke. The Umno elections next year may even have a bigger impact than the recent general election.

But whatever the outcome, the policies and rules of conduct are not expected to change. Expect for Zaid Ibrahim who had the guts to speak up for the rakyat, the others just want to remain safe and sound while eyeing for bigger and stronger recognition.

Things may even get a bit more hurting and confusing.

All this comes at a time when we are in the midst of a global financial crisis requiring serious and concerted efforts by the government to see how we can best handle this situation.

The rakyat needs to know how it is going to affect us and what are the necessary precautions to avoid undue hardship and pain. A slowdown or negative growth is quite inevitable in such a global financial crunch.

A good and healthy political landscape is just as much as important as a stable financial and economical situation for the progress of a nation.

The sooner the current political uncertainties are cleared, the better for nation-building and development which can then be given the right impetus and precedence. If this squabbling continues even after the dust in Umno has settled down, the nation is bound to suffer with no clear direction and vision.

If Pakatan Rakyat wants to capitalise on BN's setbacks and its internal disunity and disputes, then PR should make the move now and make the change. Waiting any longer only leads to loss of interest and a lack of trust by the rakyat.

Anwar still keeps saying he has the numbers but his reasons given for not going to do battle are rather vague and unconvincing.

He should strike while the iron is hot as to re-heat it will take a long time and PR may eventually run out of heating fuel.

Today, we are in a political limbo. Tomorrow however, we have great hopes for a new political dawn with all the trimmings of fairness, promotion of tolerance and acceptance.