LIKE many Malaysians, I shed tears of joy to see the coming together of our esteemed leaders, Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad and outgoing Prime Minister Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi. That was the best news to emerge from the four-day Umno general assembly, apart from the transformation and re-energising of the party.

Fences have been mended. The overture of reconciliation between the two was all the sweeter coming as it did from prime minister-in-waiting Datuk Seri Najib Razak.

It was a strong signal from him of wanting Umno to close ranks from top to bottom.

If Umno is weak now, it is so not because of the opposition but because of differences within the party.

A united Umno is needed for Najib to get down to the brass tacks of steering the country out of the economic doldrums.

God willing, after April 3, we will see the dawning of a new Malaysia under Najib. With the healing process in place, he can rule in peace.

Another heart-rending moment at the assembly was when Abdullah sought forgiveness from Umno members whom he thought he might have offended, so that he could “retire with a peaceful heart”.

This is the hallmark of a pious leader who forgives, forgets and does not bear a grudge.

It’s sad to see Abdullah, whom I have known since the early 1970s when he was secretary-general of the Ministry of Youth and Culture, leaving.

I remember meeting him in his father-in-law’s office when he was in the political wilderness during the Umno crisis of 1987. There was no ranting and raving, no bitterness or rancour then over his fate.

We wish Abdullah a happy retirement.

Not many countries have two living former prime ministers and we look forward to Abdullah and Dr Mahathir using their expertise and experience to help Najib make our country more prosperous and harmonious.

IDZAN ISMAIL, Petaling Jaya

Source: NST – March 31, 2009