It is clear that Prime Minister Dr Mahathir Mohamad's exit will create problems in Umno's hierarchy. His suggesting that party vice-president and Defence Minister Najib Abdul Razak should be the deputy president has done just that.

Mahathir should leave this to his successor Abdullah Ahmad Badawi, or Pak Lah as he is affectionately known, to name his (Abdullah's) deputy. Pak Lah should be allowed to choose his own deputy after he takes over to ensure a smooth transition of power.

He may not work well with Najib, and may prefer to work with someone else. The late premier Hussein Onn did not pick the first vice-president (Ghafar Baba) as his deputy. If he had done that Mahathir would not have been a prime minister at all. So, Mahathir should leave after his 16 months' transition period is over, without manoeuvring Umno's hierarchy. After all, Umno members are mature enough to decide who is best for No 2 and who could work well with Pak Lah.