Malaysia wracked by slow, uncertain leadership change

Hantu Laut

An interesting article from the 'Vancouver Sun' that pretty much sum up what went wrong with the politics in Malaysia.Although I don't agree with the government inflation figure(I think it's higher) it has placed Malaysia's inflation at a scary 27 %, which should send shivers down the spines of the boys at the Ministry of Finance.I am sure readers can spot other inaccuracies in the report.

Malaysia wracked by slow, uncertain leadership change

Jonathan Manthorpe, Vancouver Sun

Published: Monday, September 29, 2008

Malaysia, once one of the most politically stable and financially sound countries of Southeast Asia, is being wracked by the uncertainty of a seemingly interminable transfer of power.

Prime Minister Abdullah Badawi, a courteous but ineffectual leader, has been on the skids since the ruling coalition led by the United Malays National Organization (UMNO), narrowly retained power in March elections.

Significant factions within UMNO want Abdullah to resign soon and hand over the party leadership and government to his deputy, Najib Razak.

These calls for Abdullah's head are driven by the apparent resurgence of Anwar Ibrahim, the previously disgraced UMNO deputy leader and now head of the opposition People's Alliance coalition.

Anwar claims there have been so many defections from the ruling alliance since March that he now controls a majority of seats in parliament and should be prime minister.

But despite the economic decline that sees inflation at 27 per cent and capital flight accompanying this political uncertainty, no one will wield the knife on Abdullah. It's a measure of the supreme importance of good manners and respect for power in Malaysian society.

"We want to ensure that the power transition process does not affect Abdullah's honour. It must be done in a dignified manner," said Trade Minister Muhyiddin Yassin on Friday. Read more....