Showdown in paradise island

New dilemma: Dr Mahathir's foot print is everywhere in Langkawi, where his name still carries weight.

THE voice over the plane’s intercom welcoming everyone to Langkawi made it sound as though we had landed in paradise.

Well, Langkawi with its many islets and glittering blue seas does look like paradise. The sun seems to shine brighter here and the air feels so pure that it is like watching high-definition TV – the blue skies are bluer and the vegetation is extra green. And the island folk do not put on any airs. They talk and laugh easily and welcome outsiders like old friends.