Rosmah: Political asset or liability

Nearly two weeks have passed and Malaysia's First Lady Rosmah Mansor has not got into trouble in the alternative media yet. Fresh tales of her misdeeds and over-the-top lifestyle have slowed as her worst enemies soften their pace and stop leaking all her secrets to a curious press. No doubt, they will pick up their shot-guns when it is timely and pellet her again, but for now -  all is quiet on the 'Rosmah front'.

In the past month, the stories about her that regaled the nation included a gargantuan RM24.4 million diamond ring, her in-laws from Kazakhstan with dark links to the Mafia, a super-duper New York penthouse, and exorbitantly priced  overseas trips on public expense. In hindsight, it was an amazing month, but then July was a very busy month for the Najibs. Not only did they travel to Europe but their daughter got engaged to the scion of a very wealthy Kazakh family.

Political families of Malaysia: BN vs Pakatan

Much has been written about political families in Asia and other parts of the world. It is obvious that parents would encourage their offsrping to follow in their footsteps, and given that the children would be raised in a political environment, it is not unusual that they too join the 'family business' when they grow up.

However, what is not healthy are political dynasties that supress competition and forcibly reserve seats and positions of power for designated family members.

In Kelantan, the sons of PAS spiritual adviser Nik Aziz follow their dad's footsteps with pride but hardly anyone points a finger at Nik Aziz nor is he associated with nepotism. Why? Because he makes sure his sons go through the same obstacles as others - they have to compete like normal members.

Malaysia’s political awakening: A call for US leadership - John Malott

A Malaysian recently wrote to me, “Most Americans don’t know or even care where Malaysia is.” Even among the so-called foreign policy elite, little attention is paid to Malaysia.

There are few American academics who specialize in domestic Malaysian politics, and except for hosting visits by senior Malaysian leaders, think tanks and universities hold few Malaysia-themed programs. US newspaper and magazine reports are few, with most articles focusing on tourism and the delights of Malaysian cuisine.

As a result, there is a tendency among Americans to hold an idealized (and outdated) image of Malaysia as a successful multi-racial and multi-religious paradise, an Asian economic dynamo, and a stable and moderate Muslim democracy.