If Umno continues to stay in power, I think its next president and hence, prime minister of Malaysia, should be the de facto Law Minister Dr Rais Yatim. With his doctorate in law, Rais will give a certain degree of respectability to Malaysia in the regional and international community.

Regaining respectability for Malaysia in the post-Mahathir period must be made the top priority. Both Abdullah Ahmad Badawi (Umno deputy president) and Najib Abdul Razak (Umno vice-president) just lack that, however influential they are within the party circle. Hishammuddin Hussein Onn, the Youth chief, is too young to be the next PM.

Also, with his background as a former opposition leader, Rais should be more acceptable to the grassroots. He understands more the hope and aspirations of the rakyat.