By Mangai Balasegaram In Kuala Lumpur

Malaysians have begun marking the end of an era with the news that the country's veteran Prime Minister, Dr Mahathir Mohamad, is to step down late next year.

It's like a bereavement, it takes time to get used to

Malaysian businessman James Wong

The nation has accepted the confirmation that he is to resign with relative calm after an emotional reaction to his initial announcement on Saturday.

The offer of a year-long leadership transition appears to have provided some relief but the news was still disconcerting for many.

"Even though we've got a year to get used to it, it's still a shock. It's like a bereavement, it takes time to get used to," said businessman James Wong.

Patriarchal figure

Dr Mahathir, who has been at the helm for 21 years, has often been described as a father figure for the country.

Like the archetypal father, he was revered and respected - and also challenged and resented at times.

"People looked up to him like a father. Of course, there were times that he was resented for his iron hand, but the thought of losing him is still terrifying," said Mr Wong.

There may be more democratic space. I am excited about that

Political activist Mohamad Nasir

During his tenure, Dr Mahathir transformed Malaysia from a relative backwater with an economy dependent on commodities into a modern manufacturing nation with the world's tallest buildings.

He put the country on the world stage, serving as a voice for the developing world, and helped build a national identity in this multiracial nation.

The initial news sent shockwaves across the country, even prompting one businessman, Robert Phang, to place a full-page advertisement in a national newspaper - estimated to have cost US$6,000 - urging the premier not to resign.

Transition

But the leadership transition was greeted with relief by many officials in Dr Mahathir's ruling United Malays National Organisation (Umno) party.

"My 74-year-old father, an Umno veteran from a very, very rural area, was crying after the announcement on Saturday. Now he's happy," said Umno Youth official Dr Shamsul Sulaiman.

"We appreciate [Dr Mahathir] as a great leader, but he's not going to be there forever. This is a good time for him to go."

Dr Mahathir was seen by many as a father figure

The man set to take over is Deputy Prime Minister Abdullah Badawi.

There have been criticisms that he lacks the strength needed but Umno officials point out that he has yet to be tested.

"Who would not look weak compared to Mahathir? He needs to be given a chance. He has conviction. If he consolidates the party and forms a good team, then he should do very well," said Umno official Nur Jazlan.

He said the departure of Dr Mahathir could even help the party.

"The opposition have always made Mahathir an issue - now what will they use?"

He added that Mr Badawi was one of the most popular of Umno's leaders, seen as clean-cut, religious and experienced.

More democracy

Dr Mahathir's departure could also herald a more democratic era, some opposition leaders felt.

"There may be more democratic space. I am excited about that," said Dr Mohamad Nasir, social activist and chairman of the Socialist Party of Malaysia, which is fighting to be registered.

"Nobody is indispensable. We have to get used to life without [Dr Mahathir]."

"There is a better potential of removing oppressive aspects of society," said Lim Guan Eng, a former MP with the Democratic Action Party who was jailed by Dr Mahathir's government for sedition.

"He will also stop being everyone's favourite whipping boy now."

Mr Lim believed that the country was heading into "uncertain times" now.

"He has left under a cloud. We still don't know what his real reasons for resigning are. Every Malaysian is wondering about this question," he said.

But in this long resignation period, Malaysians will have plenty of time to consider the issue.