'Citius, Altius, Fortius' is the motto of the Olympic Games, where athletes strive, in accordance with Olympic ideals, to be faster, higher and stronger.

In Athens, the games of the 28th Olympiad may be over, but here in Malaysia, the last medals have just been awarded.

A team winning effort has been achieved by Dr Wan Azizah Wan Ismail and her children for having back in their midst a husband and a father after so many years of cruel separation. Would they have ever in their wildest dreams expected to realise their aspiration any 'faster' than this?

Citius faster: A gold medal for this realisation.

And Prime Minister Ahmad Abdullah Badawi has in one fell swoop neutralised the most divisive factor in Malay politics. Throughout the course of Anwar's release, Badawi has displayed those most-loved Malay qualities of silent benevolence, pious rectitude and humble magnanimity. His personal stature has been magnified by leaps and bounds.

The court decision has also de-martyr-ised Anwar Ibrahim. He is no longer the romantic political hero imprisoned in the dark tower of villainous forces. From now on, a liberated Anwar will be scrutinised more closely for his pronouncements and actions. He will no longer enjoy the automatic Teflon coating that his incarceration bestowed on him.

The onus is now on Anwar to prove his reformist credentials, commit his political allegiance, justify his personal wealth, explain his unusual strong connection to the Saudis and account for his allegations of Umno corruption.

All Abdullah has to do is to maintain his hallmark tranquillity and occupy the 'higher' ground.

Altius - higher: The silver goes to Abdullah.

And already Malaysians are talking of a new era in Malaysian politics, judicial independence and good governance. Even those sceptical about the 'reason' behind the court's ruling are questioning Anwar rather than Abdullah - what covet deals have been struck?

There is a whiff of fresh air blowing in Malaysia. Feel good emotions dominate. Coupled with the prime minister's recent inclusive messages, the country has never been 'stronger' than now.

Fortius - stronger: The bronze to Malaysia and all Malaysians.