"Anwar is definitely qualified to be a future leader, " says Bee Azman, an observer from Selangor.

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In Malaysia, warns Azman, "NPLs could double, but we can cater even for an estimated 15.7%" of all loans going sour.

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GLCs that are still obliged to do charitable works on the government's behalf, Mr Azman is pushing for a clearer definition and delimitation of their responsibilities.

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Khazanah's managing director, Azman Haji Mokhtar, said the Proton deal was "another significant milestone in our strategic divestment programme as it represents the largest in size to date".

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Also hoping to lure foreign cash was Azman's colleague at AMC's sister entity Danamodal, which is tasked with injecting capital into Malaysian banks and pressing for efficiency-enhancing link-ups.

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Mr Azman's solution is a strong dose of corporate discipline.

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Mr Azman still argues against selling poorly performing hi-tech firms, such as SilTerra, lest that deprive Malaysia of the associated industry and technology transfers and the jobs that come with them.

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