1. Tun Abdullah succeeded me to become the Fifth Prime Minister of Malaysia. He will always be remembered for the fantastic victory of Barisan Nasional (BN) in the 2004 General Elections. BN won 90% of the seats in the Dewan Rakyat.

2. Unfortunately BN did not do so well in the 2008 General Elections. Five states were lost to the Opposition.

3. The people exercised their freedom of speech to demand the resignation of the Prime Minister.

4. Abdullah listened. And he heeded the views of the public. Without rancour or anger he resigned.

5. It could not have been easy for him. But he puts the country’s interest above his disappointment.

6. I am reminded of the fate of Neville Chamberlain – Prime Minister of Britain at the break of war with Germany.

7. Leo Amery, MP for Birmingham, quoting Oliver Cromwell said, “You have sat too long here for any good you have been doing. Depart, I say, and let us have done with you. In the name of God, go”

8. Sorry to quote from British History. But so many of what we do are influenced by the British.

9. If I may be allowed, I resigned two times when I felt I was not wanted. Actually, it was my mother who taught me “not to overstay my welcome”.

10. Incidentally, following the calls for Chamberlain to resign 42 MPs who normally supported the Government voted against. Another 36 abstained.