THE Economist in its annual choice of country of the year had Malaysia in a shortlist of three. However, Malaysia did not make it, largely because it is Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad who now leads the country after the historic electoral defeat of Barisan Nasional, and not Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim.
The British publication has always had a deep antipathy towards Dr Mahathir and an extraordinarily generous assessment of Anwar. While Malaysians may not share this disdain or innocent affection, the upshot is Malaysia did not get the accolade.
Read more: Britain, standing out for all the wrong reasons
Looking back at 2018 – Don’t lose the GE14 victory

THE May 9 GE14 defeat of the ruling Barisan Nasional after 61 years of one-party rule was without doubt a high water mark in Malaysian political history.
Its significance is not just about that victory of the opposition Pakatan Harapan – unexpected, against all the odds, historic which it is – but perhaps more so about what has been laid bare on the state of the nation.
While its corrupt practice was at the heart of opposition to Barisan rule, the depth and extent of corruption exposed have been nothing short of astounding. It was a total kleptocracy, a system infested. Malaysians must be ashamed – so this was our country!
Read more: Looking back at 2018 – Don’t lose the GE14 victory
Pakatan must map course to a new Malaysia

Plenty to do: Malaysia’s new Cabinet needs to get out of the ‘Opposition mode’ and get the government machinery – the civil service – to implement its decisions effectively.
TO pass the test of time and ensure its longevity in power, Pakatan Harapan has to fulfil the expectations that swept it to victory against all odds on May 9.
Prime Minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad put together a Cabinet with a mix of race, gender and age that has never been seen in the political governance of our country.
However, except for a handful of ministers, the Cabinet falls short on experience.
Read more: Pakatan must map course to a new Malaysia
Belt and Road Initiative: Is it all about China?

Originally published in TheEdge Malaysia, 23 – 29 April 2018 edition.
The answer to this question is, it will be if there is no constructive engagement but instead an adversarial attitude and response to all of China’s policies and initiatives.
Read more: Belt and Road Initiative: Is it all about China?