PUTRAJAYA, 1 April 2009: Prime Minister Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi imparted invaluable advice for Datuk Seri Najib Razak and the cabinet to act upon when he chaired today’s cabinet meeting here, according to ministers met after the meeting.
The ministers said Najib, as the deputy prime minister, took the opportunity to accord recognition of the highest order on Abdullah for his huge contribution to the country.
They also recorded their appreciation to Abdullah for having given them the space and opportunity to have worked with him in the government.
Najib took over as Umno president on 28 March at the party’s general assembly after Abdullah did not seek nomination to retain the post, thus paving the way for the former to take over as prime minister. By convention, the Umno president assumes the premiership of the country as the leader of the largest party in the ruling Barisan Nasional coalition.
Abdullah is scheduled to have an audience with the Yang di-Pertuan Agong, Tuanku Mizan Zainal Abidin, tomorrow to convey his intention to relinquish the post of prime minister after having helmed the country for more than five years.
International Trade and Industry Minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin said today’s cabinet meeting proceeded in an atmosphere of calm, with the ministers touched by the advice given by Abdullah.
He said Abdullah had emphasised matters which the Cabinet should act upon, especially the collective responsibility of the ministers.
Muhyiddin said Abdullah had given useful advice which the cabinet could use as a guide.
“The prime minister said he was prepared to give his views if necessary,” he said.
He said the cabinet prayed for the good health of Abdullah and his wife, Datin Seri Jeanne Abdullah, while recording the contributions of the prime minister to the government as a major contribution to the country. — Bernama
