It is indeed comical to watch our future premier Abdullah Ahmad Badawi keeping his cards close to his chest and projecting an independent state of mind as to his choice of successor.

It is obvious he has managed to lead some up the garden path, or at least have their hopes raised, but there is no doubt in my mind that the anointed Najib Tun Razak will be his deputy. This is in spite of strong rumours that the two do not get along and he in fact prefers somebody else.

Ultimately to Pak Lah, what will only matter is that he pleases his mentor, for in the ensuing carnage that will take place in Umno regardless of his choice, he has Mahathir in his corner.

He is indeed caught between the devil and the deep blue sea, but Pak Lah is no great swimmer and will believe that he still needs Mahathir's support to stay afloat as long as he can. Picking any one else instead of Najib will be totally out of character for a man that we all have come to know and love so well.