It is very much de rigueur for our Malaysian politicians to have the skills of an acrobat — balancing themselves while they unbalance their opponents by saying opposite of what they really intend to do.

Prime Minister Dr Mahathir Mohamad expressed his desire to retire. If that was what he wanted, why cry about it? It looks like he was throwing a tantrum to get what he want. Or does he want to leave even if the country is not ready for his immediate departure.

Senior Umno leaders are equally inept in this game. Pretend to beg him to retract, the next saying he is staying no longer than 15 months. There are several advantages to this sandiwara .

One, is not to allow Mahathir to have his way (such as his wish to bring back Tengku Razaleigh Hamzah or Ku Li).

Two, is to make doubly sure that Mahathir does not renege on his decision to retire by pinning him down on a definite time frame to hand over power.

Three, this time frame allows Mahathir to settle his affairs, successors to take over the reins, and those around them to jostle for a place along the succession line.

Four, the time frame will allow PM to chair next year's Organisation of Islamic Conference (OIC). It seems OIC looks up to Mahathir's leadership and may inject more than a trillion dollars to support Malaysia as an Islamic Banking Center if he still holds position.

Think of what such money can do — even rebuild whole of devastated Afghanistan. So money is another big consideration for the ambitious not to get rid of Mahathir immediately.

If Mahathir, does not take too kindly at being eased out by those around upon his own sandiwara game of which he is master, the 15-month transition is enough time for a lot of things to happen in between.

Markets may be against Mahathir's exit and give a clear signal against the new team by sliding continuously. Those close to Mahathir may plot against the plotters. More individuals, groups and organisations may clamour for his continuation as leader. What then?

Mahathir himself may change his mind. We do not know why he conceded his position in the first instance. He has yet to give his reasons. If his grouses are known, the question will arise as to whether they should be met for him to continue, if he still wishes. He is not obliged to accept the 15-month transition set by others for him.

Fifteen months of sharing power between an outgoing PM and the anointed successor backed by three other vice-presidents jostling for more power is a recipe for uncertainty because it means the game may not be over as yet. In World Cup parlance, there is 'extra time'. There is still room to play. Especially by the prime minister himself.

He said he had decided long ago that he wanted to go, yet he cried when announcing the relinquishment of all positions. The tears showed a part of him did not want to go. The great drama is unfinished, the climax is still to be seen.