I am a Singaporean and my views would definitely be seen as biased. Anyway, I would to say that Dr Mahathir Mohamad had been very useful to Malaysia in his early days as a prime minister. No one could fault him for not trying. He has done many great things for Malaysia such as putting Malaysia in the forefront of international affairs.

But his later years were complicated by his mega-projects and his cronies. Perhaps these could be the reasons for his mismanagement of the country and for him losing his bearings. He ran the country like an emperor. Many questionable decisions were made in defiance of logic and reasons.

Abdullah Ahmad Badawi, therefore, is perhaps the best man that could have come into the picture for Malaysia. A cool and composed leader who weighs all the consequences before making his decision.

There may not be fury and chest-beating of Mahathir as Abdullah's style is one of sense and sensibility. Decisions are made only after careful thought and consideration unlike the firebrand style of Mahathir.

Abdullah runs the country like a statesman. Not a boy scout or a triad boss.

Under Abdullah's leadership, things may appear to take a slower pace towards progress. But work is being done quietly and carefully. There will be less waste from less haste.

It will be a loss to Malaysia if Abdullah is derailed before he could bring back Malaysia to a path of reason and progress.