UMNO has turned the corner. After months of uncertainty following the watershed date of March 8, one thing is now sure -- Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi will make a premature exit to pave the way for his deputy to take over. This should fully douse all embers of disapprobation within, and outside, the party. The dark clouds have ruptured and the accompanying cleansing shower should go some way to clearing away the bitterness and vitriol of recent times. Indeed, Umno has paid the price it was expected to, and in the same regard, so has the country. There has been enough hand-wringing, speculation and soul-searching. It is now time for the party, and the entire Barisan Nasional, to step out with renewed vigour and shake off the malignant mood that has hung over the coalition like a shroud since their worst-ever beating in a general election.

Now that the baton has been passed to Datuk Seri Najib Razak, the onus will be on him to ensure stability within Umno and to strengthen the party. The component parties must, in turn, consolidate and coalesce around the new leadership of Umno, which is the backbone of BN. The certainty will shore up confidence among the people, and serve as the foundation and impetus needed for all component parties to pursue their respective and collective reform agendas. They can help by cleaning up their own houses. Already, MCA, Gerakan and, to a certain extent, MIC have instituted various changes, from adopting a more multiracial outlook to aggressive road tours to lift their parties from the doldrums. This latest development should solidify their efforts further and facilitate greater reforms. It thus makes sense for all to be unified behind Umno, and under the BN umbrella, to ensure the nation's continued progress and prosperity.

Certainly, the restoration of concerted governance is particularly crucial now. While completing earlier proposed institutional reforms is important, what is more pressing is for the government to attend to the clear and present economic crisis. A worldwide economic meltdown is worsening, and the possibility of a global recession in the wake of financial turmoil in the United States and Europe is becoming more real by the day. The Malaysian market will inevitably be affected as major developed markets remain in bearish mode. The national leadership needs the support of all to reverse the tide, remove investors' fears, quell rattled nerves and stave off an extended and damaging downturn. These economic woes make it not just necessary but absolutely imperative for Malaysia to be stable and strong politically.