The only real possible blip on the radar screen of political stability could come if there is a strong shift to the opposition Parti Islam SeMalaysia (PAS), which controls two of the 13 states, including oil and gas rich Terengganu.
Badawi replaces Mahathir Mohamad, who retired on 31 October after 22 years at the helm and was Asia's longest-serving leader. The transition appears to be seamless, as the hand-picked Badawi will continue the same policies, backed by a personal drive to stamp out corruption and to give equal rights to women.
Personality-wise
