Duterte seen improving ties with Malaysia

THE country’s relationship with Malaysia will improve under the presidency of Rodrigo Duterte, who Asian leaders describe as “orang besar” or a strong democratic leader, according to Philippine Ambassador J. Eduardo Malaya.

“Filipinos and Asians are familiar with his type of leadership -- ‘authoritative and not necessary authoritarian, and paternalistic and not at all undemocratic. We know this as ‘orang besar,’ a strong leader who takes care of his community,’ the envoy told The Manila Times via email.