The worldwide outrage against Prime Minister Dr Mahathir Mohamad's anti-Jewish remarks has greatly tarnished the good name and image of Malaysia. Although Mahathir is retiring very soon, his successor, Abdullah Ahmad Badawi has to spend at least a few years to rebuild the goodwill lost.

However, to expect Abdullah to do that is also to assume that (a) Abdullah does not share Mahathir's worldview, sentiments and opinions, (b) Abdullah is capable of withstanding the political pressure of those in Umno and government who see Mahathir as an "intellectual" leader.

So, for the international community to regain trust and show goodwill again, it is important for Abdullah to repudiate the controversial views held or expressed by Mahathir and to distance himself from them, as well as to demonstrate he has the political will and capability to cleanse Umno, the government and official media of Mahathirists.

Otherwise, the future of Malaysia is bleak indeed.