COMMENT | There is a tradition in America, where the outgoing president leaves a handwritten note in the Oval Office for his successor - whether or not they come from the same party, and sometimes even for the person who had just beat the outgoing president in an election.
Here are some excerpts.
From George H Bush to Bill Clinton: “Dear Bill, I wish you great happiness here … You will be our president when you read this note. I wish you well. I wish your family well … Your success now is our country’s success. I am rooting hard for you.”
From Bill Clinton to George W Bush: “Dear George, today you embark on the greatest venture, with the greatest honour, that can come to an American citizen. You lead proud, decent, good people. And from this day you are president of all of us.
“I salute you and wish you success and much happiness. The burdens you now shoulder are great but often exaggerated. The sheer joy of doing what you believe is right is inexpressible. My prayers are with you and your family. Godspeed.”
From George W Bush to Barack Obama: “Dear Barack, congratulations on becoming our president. You have just begun a fantastic chapter in your life … There will be trying moments. The critics will rage. Your ‘friends’ will disappoint you. But, you will have an Almighty God to comfort you, a family who loves you, and a country that is pulling for you, including me.”
From Barack Obama to Donald Trump: “Dear Mr President - congratulations on a remarkable run. Millions have placed their hopes in you, and all of us, regardless of party, should hope for expanded prosperity and security during your tenure … Michelle and I wish you and Melania the very best as you embark on this great adventure, and know that we stand ready to help in any ways which we can.”
Of all these lines, I think the phrase “your success is now our country’s success” stuck the most with me.
I have made my fair share of criticisms and disparaging remarks against Ismail Sabri Yaakob over these months and years.
I cannot hide the fact that he is far, far from my first choice as prime minister.
But the constitutional process has, in my view at least, been followed, and for better or for worse, Ismail has been...