COMMENT | For weeks, Malaysia has been locked into public claims and denials of attempts to form a new coalition government in what was called the Dubai Move and by others the “Chow Kit Move”.

Threats, strong language, escalating personal attacks and the use of advantages of holding power have been on display, with the stakes not only being who holds the government but political stability and investment.

I label these developments of the past few weeks as the “Dubious Move(s)” for what they showcase about the worrying state of Malaysian politics. Sadly, Malaysia’s political present remains locked in battles of the political past.

Over a year since the 15th general election, the focus of politicians remains on...