I refer to the malaysiakini report Rais nominated as Commonwealth sec-gen .

It is great to hear that the Malaysian government has responded to Malaysia Think Tank London's proposal . We have been campaigning hard for the Malaysian government to make a nomination. We first reiterated the idea in a Malaysian media back in January 2007 and have consistently followed-up with letters to the relevant ministers, press statements to the media and direct lobbying every time Malaysian ministers visit London.

Our heartiest congratulations to Rais!

The nomination of Dr Rais Yatim could not have been more timely. This year we are celebrating 50 years of our independence, as well as 50 years of us joining the Commonwealth. If elected, Rais would make this year even more memorable. We would have another cause to celebrate as we see the first Malaysian to be at the helm of a major international organisation.

Admittedly, we have a lot of catching up to do - India and Malta have already started their campaign. But I suspect Rais' nomination will put Malaysia as the favourite.

It is very important for both the prime minister and the foreign minister to lobby hard for Rais. Every visit to a Commonwealth country by the prime minister or the foreign minister cannot be considered complete unless they actively promote our candidate. Our diplomatic team in Commonwealth countries must also play their roles. They must lobby continuously from now.

Rais must be given as much opportunity as possible to present his ideas and visions for the Commonwealth. I suggest that Rais focus on making t he Commonwealth a beacon of de-centralised power showing how it is possible to respect national sovereignty and allowing each country to follow its own path, while recognising the imperatives of interdependence.

By campaigning for more free trade in the Commonwealth, Rais can show how developing countries do not have to fear globalisation. Rather, globalisation could work positively for developing countries as free trade catalyses economic development, social progress and technological advancement.

Rais should also remember that there are twelve countries that are members of both the Commonwealth and the OIC. A vision in which the Commonwealth becomes a bridge between the Muslims and the wider world would surely be most welcome.

The writer is director-general, the Malaysia Think Tank, London .