BY: SALSABIELA JAMAL

In a glowing tribute to Malaysian prime minister, Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim, a researcher from a Singapore based think tank commended Malaysia for having a leader who showed “exemplary statesmanship.”

The researcher and author went on to say that Anwar should not be reluctant to poise himself to be the paramount leader of Asean as he had the credentials and the cause he is championing is acceptable to all Asean member nations.

While Singapore might be the wealthiest nation in the Asean grouping, the researcher felt it fell short in other areas to play a commanding role and that Anwar Ibrahim was the most eligible candidate to head Asean.

In line with these assertions, Anwar has boosted his image internationally by going on mission trips to woo investors to Malaysia and he has rebranded himself as a champion of the poor and downtrodden taking on the elite.

In recent months Anwar has not only charmed Malaysians but also the international community and there is a growing wave of support for his populist policies, especially his aim and objective of weeding out the corrupt and building the economy.

Independent analysts, not only locally but abroad, have given the thumbs up to Anwar’s leadership but the truth of the matter is that many more are sitting on the fence waiting to be convinced and this should take place over a couple of years more.

-THE MALAYSIA VOICE

** The views expressed on this opinion is of the writer and not the publisher