When I was a staffer with the Howard government – many moons, hair follicles and pants sizes ago – the government had a bit of a “Malcolm” problem. It bears a striking resemblance to the same “Malcolm” problem facing the Coalition today.

In the late ’90s and early 2000s, former prime minister Malcolm Fraser was still kicking around the political landscape. He was often interviewed, and his comments took on a life of their own within the news cycle. However, rather than criticise his former Labor opponents, Fraser set his sights squarely on his old party and in particular, his former treasurer and now-successful prime minister, John Howard.

Malcolms Turnbull (left) and Fraser.Credit: Michael Howard

In 1999, Fraser was highly critical of the Howard government’s handling of the independence struggle in East Timor. Fraser believed the government should have immediately taken unilateral action to put boots on the ground to prevent insurgency operations by the pro-Indonesia Aitarak militia forces. Howard refused to act until officially asked by the East Timor leadership and his patience proved successful, with an official request for assistance forthcoming from East Timor and an Australia-led coalition of UN forces securing peace.

Fraser’s criticism of Howard’s leadership on the issue did not abate, which was ironic given the invasion of East Timor by Indonesia took place during Fraser’s time as PM in 1975.

In his 2021 book, researcher Peter........

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