Wily Mahathir must ensure stability and good China relations

Following his extraordinary election victory, the returning 92-year-old Malaysian leader should continue to be as pragmatic as he was before and encourage trade and foreign investment

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Malaysia’s Mahathir Mohamad, at 92, has beaten the political odds to defeat Najib Razak and become the world’s oldest leader. Photo: Reuters

Published: 4:48am, 11 May 2018Updated: 5:09am, 11 May 2018

No election could be as extraordinary: Malaysia’s Mahathir Mohamad, at 92, has beaten the political odds to defeat Najib Razak, rout the 61-year rule of the governing coalition and return to the prime ministership for a second stint, becoming the world’s oldest leader.

Corruption, the soaring cost of living and a sales tax were the decisive issues for voters, but Chinese influence and investments were also raised and pledges made for reviews and changes.

China would never interfere in the domestic affairs of another country, so targeting diplomatic relations and economic and business interests would be wrong.

As during his previous 22 years in the country’s top job, Mahathir should be pragmatic and ensure a stable environment to encourage trade and foreign investment.

China is Malaysia’s biggest trading partner, although last year ranked only sixth in foreign direct investment, behind Singapore, the Netherlands, Japan, the United States and Hong Kong.

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