Since becoming prime minister, Najib Razak has faced serious challenges at home in trying to rebuild the image of his ruling BN coalition amidst the schisms and controversies that have afflicted the three main coalition parties.

His task of strengthening and revitalising his coalition has been made much more precarious by the political pressure he has been subjected to by the Anwar Ibrahim-led opposition.

While trying to keep up his political momentum at home, Najib has been trying to also juggle the task of rebuilding his image on the international stage, especially vis-à-vis that of Anwar...