The defiant outsider

Corruption wasn't just a problem during Najib's time. It was also part of a matrix of mysteries when Mahathir was prime minister

Mahathir Mohamed’s stunning return to the prime ministership of Malaysia at the age of 92 isn’t the only intriguing feature of his career. One mystery attracted attention 19 years ago when the autocratic strongman turned on his chosen successor Anwar Ibrahim, who is now in jail awaiting the royal pardon Mahathir has promised. Another surrounds his own birthday.

But the sombre political sword hanging over the born-again regime is Sino-Malaysian relations. As prime minister from 1981 to 2003, Mahathir notoriously championed far closer ties with China than even neighbouring Chinese-majority Singapore. Now, he threatens to “review” Chinese investments.

The popular view is