COMMENT His Umno critics claim that Prime Minister Najib Abdul Razak is attempting to impress United States President Barack Obama with his so-called moderate and liberal leadership.

And it is purportedly because of this, the Internal Security Act, a potent weapon in the ruling coalition’s arsenal to silence political dissent in the past, was repealed, much to the chagrin of certain powerful factions.

During his recent visit to Malaysia, Najib’s admiration for Obama was captured in a series of ecstatic selfies with the US president, including when riding together in the latter’s official car.