Jailed ex-deputy premier Anwar Ibrahim said the16-month-long transition period shows a lack of confidence by Prime Minister Dr Mahathir Mohamed in his deputy Abdullah Ahmad Badawi's competence.

He described the proposed transition period as "bordering on political absurdity".

"It is difficult to speculate on Dr Mahathir's impending resignation announcement. The circumstances surrounding his announcement remains shrouded in mystery.

No confidence

"It only confirms hesitancy in the decision and the perceived lack of confidence and competence of the anointed successor," said Anwar in a press statement which his lawyer Sankara N Nair released to the media today.

Last Saturday while delivering his closing speech at the Umno general assembly, Mahathir unexpectedly announced that he was resigning from all posts in Umno and the Barisan Nasional. However, an hour later Abdullah announced that Mahathir was willing to retract his resignation.

On Tuesday, Umno's supreme council said after an hour-long emergency meeting that Mahathir would quit after the Organisation of Islamic Conference meeting in October next year. Abdullah will take the helm after the 16-month transition period.

Anwar who was sacked by Mahathir on Sept 2, 1998 on the ground of immorality, is now serving a total of 15 years jail at the Sungai Buloh Prison for four charges of corrupt practices and sodomy.