I was watching the TechTV channel on Astro when a short skit came on regarding an informational web site called Infoplease.com . When I surfed to the site, the first thing I checked on was the profile of our nation. It was pretty interesting to read the text below, especially the statement that I've highlighted in bold text:

"Beginning in 1997 and continuing through the next year, Malaysia suffered from the Asian currency crisis. Instead of following the economic prescriptions of the International Monetary Fund and World Bank, the prime minister opted for fixed exchange rates and capital controls. In late 1999, Malyasia was on the road to economic recovery, and it appeared Mahathir's measures were working.

"Mahathir sacked his heir apparent, Anwar Ibrahim, from his posts as deputy prime minister and finance minister in Sept. 1998, after a disagreement over how to deal with the country's economic problems. In defiance, Anwar launched a reform movement attacking the government. The prime minister then jailed Anwar, who was beaten and convicted of trumped-up corruption and sex crimes . The prime minister announced plans to retire in late 2003. He named Abdullah Ahmad Badawi, deputy prime minister, as his successor."

Pretty amusing, eh?