Kuala Lampur, Dec. 7 -- Every second term is a battle. An intense one. This is a political truth that extends across democracies, from Westminster to Washington, and certainly to Putrajaya.

No prime minister sails comfortably into a second mandate, not even those with towering popularity in their first term.

The midpoint of governance is where reality sharpens: the promises made collide with the constraints of the system, interest groups pull in different directions, and voters grow impatient for tangible results.

Malaysia today is no exception. The conversation surrounding Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim's chances for a second term intensified after the Sabah elections, particularly with DAP's clean sweep in reverse - eight seats contest...