James Wong Wing On concludes his session with Tan Kai Hee ( right ), secretary of the Malaysia-China Friendship Association, on the ties between Malaysia and China.

Question: Do you think Prime Minister Abdullah Ahmad Badawi would continue Malaysia's friendly policy on China even in this unipolar world?

Tan: I am certain that Abdullah will continue the policy. This has to do with the continuity of a national policy. But I also think that, although Abdullah is quieter than Mahathir, he may do even better than Mahathir.

Abdullah is a pragmatist. It is impossible for him to be another spokesman for the Third World and also for him to be accorded by China the same level of appreciation it gave to Mahathir but he (Abdullah) would most likely do some practical things to upgrade some aspects of Malaysia-China relations which are not 'sensational', like economic ties, cultural exchanges, social interactions and political understanding, on the basis of mutual benefits. He will do these things quietly. There will be no sensation but many will feel his impact later.