Malaysian Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamad's government has begun implementing eight of its "10 promises in 100 days." But its sales tax plan, infrastructure review and other policies are sowing confusion. (© Nikkei montage/Source photo by Reuters)

Mahathir government's mixed signals make for uneasy honeymoon

China, Singapore and Malaysians themselves all have questions

CK TAN, Nikkei staff writer

July 31, 2018 15:41 JST

KUALA LUMPUR -- From the moment the results of Malaysia's election became clear around dawn on May 10, experts pointed out that returning leader Mahathir Mohamad was about to open a Pandora's box of challenges and risks. The euphoria of the unprecedented change of power has yet to fade entirely, but the box is at least ajar.