Malaysia`s Abdullah says he will step down in March

KUALA LUMPUR, Oct. 8 Kyodo - (EDS: UPDATES, ADDS QUOTES FROM ABDULLAH)
Malaysian Prime Minister Abdullah Ahmad Badawi said Wednesday he will step down
in March next year and throw his support to his deputy Najib Abdul Razak as his
successor.

The embattled 68-year old leader said he will not defend his presidency in his
party, the United Malays National Organization, internal election next March.
''I do not want a divided party and governing coalition, but one that is united
and harmonious. A united National Front is vital in order for the country to
face the global challenges ahead and for Malaysia to become a fully developed
nation, with prosperity and fairness for all. My current term as president of
UMNO ends in March next year,'' he told a press conference after chairing the
13-party ruling National Front coalition's leaders' meeting.
By staying away from the election, Abdullah paves the way for Najib to go for
the top post.
''I hope Najib will be my successor, I believe he can win,'' Abdullah said.
The UMNO leader usually becomes Malaysian prime minister because it holds the
most sway within the ruling coalition.
Abdullah has been under intense pressure to step aside since the National Front
turned in its worst-ever performance in the general election in March.
He had negotiated with the UMNO and National Front leadership to stay on until
mid-2010, but further deterioration in the standing of the Front and UMNO among
voters increased the pressure on him to step aside.
Continued sniping by his predecessor Mahathir Mohamad, who had hand-picked
Abdullah to replace him when he retired in 2003 after 22 years at the helm,
further added to the decline in Abdullah's support.