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Malaysia
OpinionLetters

Letters | Challenges facing Anwar Ibrahim could be turned into opportunities

  • Readers discuss the path ahead for Malaysia’s new prime minister, and the increased threat posed by the use of drones in war

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Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim speaks during a press conference in Putrajaya, Malaysia, on December 2. Photo: Prime Minister’s Office of Malaysia/Xinhua
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Congratulations to Anwar Ibrahim on being appointed prime minister of Malaysia. His political career has never been smooth – he was persecuted and imprisoned – but his ordeal could be seen as a political asset that contributes to his wisdom. Chinese sages have said people have to encounter all sorts of difficulties before they are ready to lead. Anwar’s long journey to the top post in Malaysia shows the sages were right.
Anwar faces immediate challenges at home. With no party winning an outright majority, he sits at the helm of a coalition. Picking a cabinet has no doubt been challenging.
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This could be a blessing; as the Chinese saying goes: “It is upon bad fortune that good fortune leans, upon good fortune that bad fortune rests.” The advantage of a coalition government is that it prevents the government leaning into extremes, forcing a middle path. If Anwar can consolidate support from different echelons of society, he could be Malaysia’s longest-serving prime minister.

Foreign policy is another challenge. Like other Southeast Asian nations, Malaysia is caught between China and the United States. Like Singapore, Malaysia could choose both.

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It is also important that Malaysia turns more secular, although Islam is the religion of the federation. However, this should not be prioritised over policies needed to address more urgent issues.

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