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Malaysia protests recipe for chaos

These upheavals could not have come at a worse time for Malaysia as the impact of the China's downturn is being felt across the world.

Malaysia is in turmoil because Prime Minister Najib Razak allegedly swindled money. Street protests are not good for the economy and for political stability. The 1MDB scandal is likely to have far-reaching consequences for the Southeast Asian country. It is alleged the prime minister accepted a staggering $700 million, which went into his personal account. An investigation is called for and the PM has a moral responsibility to clear the air and prove it was a legal transaction or step down for an impartial probe. Razak's kneejerk reaction to remove the attorney general and suspend the investigation has made him a prime suspect.
The protesters on the streets of Kuala Lumpur for the second consecutive day are furious and want him to go. The crosscurrents are political in essence and could push the country into administrative chaos and anarchy. Mahathir Muhammad, who is still widely respected as the father of modern Malaysia, has came out openly against the man he groomed to be his successor. Razak may be in the corner but has no intention to quit at the moment. These upheavals could not have come at a worse time for Malaysia as the impact of the China's downturn is being felt across the world. If the protests turn violent, it could set off vicious circle of instability.
The PM has to introspect and take the right, ethical decision, or fight the taint with proof that clears his name. Malaysians still value his national unity campaign in which he pledged to broker a new social contract and to make the economy more transparent and introduce serious political reforms. He must live up to those lofty ideals before the demonstrations get out of control.