INTERVIEW I assumed the first time I met former PAS member, now newly-elected PKR Lumut MP, retired Admiral Mohamad Imran Abd Hamid, was during the May 8 Blackout 505 rally in Kelana Jaya. Surrounded by throngs of excited Malaysians as we exchanged pleasantries, the retired admiral related how he knew me during my days in the Navy.

Imran is a rare politician. He says what he means and means what he says. He is well-liked among former and current military personnel, but more importantly, he has a reputation for being a ‘straight' guy.

"No funny business," says a former Navy admiral who makes it his business of keeping track of the nexus between the political and military establishment.

Although Imran gained a reputation of having a ‘sharp tongue' during the campaign period, he is in reality extremely humble. Now I understand that whenever the word ‘humble' is used to describe a politician, the reality is anything but...