In the letter ' The classic feudal game will continue with Pak Lah ' by THS, the writer presents some very sharp observations.

The so-called transition or transfer of power from Mahathir to Pak Lah will merely be a magic show to politically delude and deceive some gullible Malaysians who only judge things from the appearance but not reality.

If Mahathir really feels enough is enough and decides to call it a day, why should he spend so much time and public funds to travel so often to boost his personal image as an "outspoken world statesman" in the last several weeks of his political life?

Why is he still making public statements on matters high and low, trying to maintain the image of a paramount leader? Why does he not leave all these high-profile activities to his so-called successor so that the latter can build his own image?

It seems that Mahathir has not given up his agenda and personal ambition to command and control Pak Lah behind the scene after October. That is why he needs to show Pak Lah that he is still needed because he knows more, and is more qualified to rule.

We should not be surprised if the master list of Umno and BN candidates will be manipulated by Mahathir, and Pak Lah will just be made a rubber stamp. In the coming general election, the chief public spokesman for Umno and BN will most likely be Mahathir, with Pak Lah being made a runner.

That would be bad for Umno because as long as Mahathir does not keep quiet and let the Malays forget about him, Umno and the entire BN will almost certainly suffer more serious setbacks.

The government of Kedah may even fall into the hands of the opposition. My observation and personal experience suggest that Mahathir and Umno leaders who are seen to be his loyal supporters have no more public credibility among the majority of the Malay voters.

However, there is also a great risk that if Pak Lah alone is charged to lead the Umno and the BN campaign, the ruling parties would suffer equally severe, if not more, setbacks because he is popularly seen by Malays to be a despicable usurper who has come to power through the persecution of Anwar Ibrahim and the massive abuse of police powers.

Let us be honest about it: although Pak Lah is hyped by foreign journalists to have "strong Islamic credentials", many Muslims/Malays themselves do not share this assessment.

Ultimately, it is the Muslims/Malays in Malaysia, not Mat Salleh editors in London, Washington or Singapore, who cast their votes. So, Umno and BN are facing a huge problem, and the clock is ticking.