Why Malaysian election drama will not be playing in Singapore

The Malaysian ringgit has gone from weakness to weakness against the Singapore dollar, the gap in GDP per capita by purchasing power parity has widened to more than three times in Singapore’s favour. In other words, the average Singaporean can buy three more of the same items than his Malaysian counterpart at local prices.

Although it shares a common heritage with Malaysia, the Lion City is organised very differently. All its political parties are expected to reflect the island nation’s multicultural diversity – with meritocracy as a core guiding principle of advancement – and identity-driven chauvinism based on race or religion is frowned upon and can lead to arrest and prosecution.

Malaysia’s king calls for unity amid racial tensions

Dr Mahathir’s decision to come out of retirement at the age of 92 to partner former political foes and save their country from further self-destruction is commendable.