‘Donadaliheligv’ (congratulations in Cherokee language) to Donald Trump. Over a week ago, I wrote that I am a fan of him. And I am happy he is now the president-elect of the United States of America.

Most people including in Malaysia are Trump-haters. If not, why the forecast for a strong ringgit and a higher Kuala Lumpur Composite Index (FBMKLCI) Index if Secretary Hillary Clinton wins? Is it his hair, his penchant for excesses or his manner of speech but he is comical? He may be a blowhard in a bad hairpiece but I took the contrarian view.

More like Warren Buffett who believes the best time to invest in a stock is when shortsightedness of the market has beaten down the price. For the uninformed, the mainstream media loved Trump for a period back in the 80s. The mainstreams of today has the opposite view.

For me, he has his own reasons for his remarks on the campaign trail that alienated women, Hispanics, Muslims, African-Americans and fellow Republicans. It brings out the hidden fears and prejudices of certain sections of Americans, and for obvious reasons, swept under the carpet. I fail to understand why people buy his xenophobic proposal to build a wall on the US-Mexico border or ban Muslim immigrants because it will not pass through Congress.

The point here is, which good leader wouldn’t worry about influx of immigrants? I think Malaysia could learn a thing or two from him. With around seven million foreign workers, Malaysia should start taking positive steps.

The campaign trail has shown the world that Americans are not so special. It is difficult to understand how Americans could use his sexist and lewd comments to take him down. It would be good campaign materials used in third world countries. We have seen worst things in our own beloved country!

The second debate itself was a big letdown. It is incredibly disappointing when two presidential candidates arguing like kids.

If Americans want a seasoned political figure, how about Ronald Reagan and Arnold Schwarzenegger? It is good to choose people from different backgrounds and have different perspectives towards problem solving. Not the same ol’, same ol’.

His loud mouth should be seen as a refreshing candor and relates to transparency. He does not need advisers or a media team to draft for him a response and what to say and when to say it? Again, we can learn something here and save advisers’ costs.

When he says about bringing jobs back, he is raising the concerns of the middle-class, blue-collar workers.

Why I am a fan of his is because he is willing to sit across the table and talk to Vladimir Putin. This is taboo by previous presidents. He is also the only one willing to take on the hedge-fund managers and blast their ridiculously unfair tax rate. The best part is, after 9/11 he wrote, “I really am convinced we’re in danger of the sort of terrorist attacks that will make the bombing of the Trade Center looks like kids playing with firecrackers”.

Trump admits Iraq wasn’t a great idea and thinks Americans are best off sitting back and letting the Syria mess play itself out.

Not giving two hoots about politics

By the way, the majority of the American public does not give two hoots about politics. They’ll vote for a candidate based on gut instinct or name recognition. There are no banners or stickers hanging all across USA to remind people to vote. Hopefully, Malaysian political parties can be mature enough to follow and again save cost.

I am looking forward and thinking of throwing a party when Barbra Streisand and Miley Cyrus pack their bags to leave USA. Cyrus was adamant that she would be packing her bags should Trump wins.

As for the out-going president, his promise and mission to bring ‘Hope and Change’ did not fully work out. His promise to end unpopular wars and bring the world’s leading terrorist to justice did not materialise. For his first term, he kept a bare majority of 13 of the 24 promises. He broke seven and made some progress on the other four. It is highly likely he will lose a golf ‘kaki’ and the sad part, is to look for a job.

But what I like about American politics is their ability to come together after every campaign period. Trump being gracious in his victory speech sincerely complimented Secretary Clinton. He wants to bind the wounds of division and to be the president for all Americans. To his non-supporters, he is reaching out for guidance and help to unify the country. He promised to do a job that hopefully Americans will be so proud of their president.

I like his promises but coming from a politician, albeit new, I will wait and see. Be that as it may, we should strive to emulate these excellent statements for improvement and success.

How then would Trump view Malaysia given recent stresses and strains? I am not too worried as our prime minister has a new golfing buddy and he is Trump’s “favourite prime minister”.

What say you...