1MDB Drama Puts Golfing Buddies Obama and Najib in a Tight Spot
- Malaysia, U.S. leaders met a number of times, golfed together
- Malaysia still needs U.S. as counterbalance to China: analyst
President Barack Obama plays golf with Malaysian Prime Minister Najib Razak, on Dec. 24, 2014, in Kaneohe, Hawaii.
Photographer: Jacquelyn Martin/AP PhotoThis article is for subscribers only.
It’s been less than two years since U.S. President Barack Obama and Malaysian Prime Minister Najib Razak laughed and chatted during a round of golf as they both holidayed in Hawaii.
Since then the leaders have forged a relationship based on close trade ties, a shared interest in combating terrorism and a level of wariness about China’s military expansion in Southeast Asia. Malaysia as a secular Islamic state plays a key role in pushing back against extremism in the region.