We need to move beyond the Obama episode; “beyond those presidential selfies and we-fies”.

US President Barack Obama left Malaysia, and was greeted by protests in the Philippines unwelcoming any attempt to have the American empire reincarnate its military bases ala Subik Bay and Clark that became a rallying point to bring the Marcos dictatorship down, forcing even Imelda Marcos to flee with some of her shoes.

But for Malaysia, the nation has to do a quick assessment of what it saw in the president of seemingly the most powerful president on Earth - what the visit was about, beyond the charm and the great oratorical skills of the man. Obama left for the Philippines to ensure that the US military presence is made more prominent.