As in most cities, taxi drivers are often quick off the mark and enjoy a free-flowing conversation, particularly with foreigners. What became quite clear was the distrust and dissatisfaction of this group toward the present administration. The underlying discontent was the lack of vision by the government and the country's inability to shake off the Asian financial crisis of the late 1990s. The issue of Anwar Ibrahim and his treatment by the government also clearly raised contempt for the government. It will be interesting to witness from afar how this plays out over the coming months in the lead-up to the national elections.
Malaysian democracy is a strange beast that is possibly sniffing for a new direction.
If my short experience with the delightful people of Kuala Lumpur is any indication, it will certainly have its opportunity to be tested soon. Mr. Lee never said this. In an analogous, not completely similar way, East Asian countries by themselves have no capacity to balance China. So we need a U.S. presence in Asia. All Rights Reserved.