OUR OTHER NEIGHBORS

Ever since the Jew-hating , Zoolander banning, Mahathir Mohammad retired, I've not often had the opportunity to be upset with the Malaysian government. That's not surprising, 'Dr M' was a world-class loonie.

Still, I didn't expect I'd have much of a reason to be pleased with his replacement. This is surprisingly good news:

WASHINGTON — Malaysian Prime Minister Abdullah Ahmad Badawi told US President George W Bush yesterday that Malaysia is ready to send a medical team to Iraq and hopes to take part in reconstruction efforts.

"I'd like just to tell you that Malaysia is ready to send a medical team, a sizable medical team to Iraq," Mr Abdullah said as he met with his host in the White House Oval Office.

"That's great. Thank you," Mr Bush said in response.

"And we hope to be able, also, to participate in the reconstruction of Iraq and do whatever we can to help," said Mr Abdullah, who declared that bilateral ties were "very strong" despite Malaysia's opposition to the war in Iraq .