With former prime minister Dr Mahathir Mohamad duking it out with current prime minister Najib Abdul Razak, the question foremost on people’s minds is whether this showdown can bring positive change to the country.

According to Tokyo-based journalist William Pesek, the answer is probably no.

In his latest Nikkei Asian Review column, Pesek pointed out that a return to Mahathir’s “firebrand” ways might not help Malaysia as his 22-year tenure as prime minister was marred by accusations of dictatorship, press restrictions, and insular industrial policies.

“Even if Mahathir outmanoeuvred Najib and reclaimed the crown, there are no guarantee things would change course significantly...