Tom,
<<Mahatir...the man just won't quit>>
FYI, most people here associate Dr. Mahatir's words with a prolongation and extension of the problems here, especially the decline of the K.L.S.E. Now, I must note, that over the last few weeks several local friends have commented on his silence. It seemed he simply wasn't making any statements anymore about the economy except to encourage the people to buy more local goods. There was a notable abscence, rather suddenly, of the kinds of statements he had been making. So it seems, in fact, that the man did quit.
I am sure the locals will all thank him for his silence. Since it began there have been kind words about Malaysia's ability to rebouind from the American Ambassador, the head of the IMF, and, more recently, the head of the World Bank published in the local paper. And, of course, as you noted, there has been a rebound in the market. However, you may want to withold judgement until the holidays here are truly over. Wednesday should see a return to normal trading and it will be interesting to watch through the week. I am bullish on Malaysia's ability to overcome the setbacks. And, aside from his occasional outbursts of anti-western rhetoric, I think Mahatir is a very accomplished leader.
Best Regards,
Stitch |
