Is there any person who withdrew from the frontlines of Malaysian politics three decades ago and whose voice still carries considerable weight today? Besides Tun Musa Hitam, probably no one.
That’s because, in Malaysia, people do not leave high office in the same manner: he resigned as Deputy Prime Minister in 1986 because his integrity was questioned, not out of duress, scandal or power games. That momentous decision, plus Musa’s distinguished service record and astute mind, continually win him respect, appreciation and relevance – and sometimes wistful regret for what Malaysia could have been, had he stayed in politics and reached the pinnacle.