Tun Mahathir Mohamad recalled one occasion when, as Malaysia’s then prime minister in March 2003, he went on a three-day state visit to Brazil to promote bilateral ties and trade between the two nations. He had previously visited South America’s largest economy in 1991. He remembered fondly this particular visit, especially his trip to Sao Paulo where he swung by the Embraer factory, the home of the aircraft manufacturer, at Sao Jose dos Campos. Recounting the tour, the PM said: “I was impressed. I suggested to Ananda (Krishnan, Malaysia’s richest man), to take a stake in it (Embraer). But it didn’t happen…” There are a few things in life Malaysia’s then fourth…
