Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad may revisit "The Malay Dilemma". A "Malay Dilemma 2", perhaps?"When the Malays were poor, they were in a dilemma. When they are rich, they're in a bigger dilemma", Malaysia's former prime minister said at the launching of his memoir, "A Doctor in the House", at Mid Valley, Mega Mall in Kuala Lumpur thi afternoon. It was held outside the MPH Store.
Dr Mahathir said this when responding to question on whether he'd be writing another book to, perhaps, elaborate on some of the subjects in his book.
He said he didn't think he'd be writing another similar one but did not dismiss the idea of revisiting "The Malay Dilemma", a controversial book he wrote in 1970.
I was told people were waiting in line as early as 8am outside MPH in MidValley, Mega Mall today to buy a copy of Dr Mahathir's book -- hardcover and 809 pages.
The copies, (@RM100) were snapped up so fast.
Really good reading -- all 62 chapters. Just take your pick of the issue of your choice -- "I am A Malay", "In the Political Wilderness", "Ops Lallang" or..."Anwar's Challenge".
And it's very much his style. It's like you can hear him narrating his life and the events to you.
Some people may find remarks by the Tun potentially slanderous. Asked about it, he responded to the effect "so, sue me."
Love this succinct post.. thanks
ReplyDeleteMahathir is an Indian ethnically, but a Malay constitutionally.He admitted his Indian root...and that is being truthful.If I am not mistaken, when I read his "Malay Dilemma " years ago, I discerned a certain "pride"in his being not 100% genuine native stock !His autobiograhy should have been published much earlier.I have not been able to read it yet.It should be worth the while to compare his own version of events with that those written by others, some of them credible with many just apple-polishers !
ReplyDeleteI going to MPH and get me a copy. I asked my students about the "Malay Dilemma" and many have not heard about it, let alone read it! What's a shame.
ReplyDeleteDr M....you either love him or hate him. This grand old man do have his own ways and thinking. I love it when he is being sarcastic especially when dealing with westerners who think we are lesser mortals. I definetly will go grab one of this book at MPH once it is available again on the shelves.
ReplyDeleteMat M
some said it is a book of all dilemma,and a few address it as a future malay destination.How far it is true and how much effort in future that all leaders has gone through to acheive that,we are here to judge and to give a good value of Dr M's books.
ReplyDeletemost expensive tragic comedy
ReplyDeleteYet to have the time to buy it..can we order online?
ReplyDeleteBaru beli, nak baca!
ReplyDeleteHaving second thoughts about buying the so-called memoir after having read numerous previews and commentaries from so many individuals.It seems that intellectual integrity is missing, there being too much of others who are to be blamed for this and that , others who are morally below par...either because they are corrupt, or are womanisers.Only he knows economics, others are incompetent!Others are ambitious but not him (as if it is wrong to be ambitious!)
ReplyDeleteFor a memoir to be meaningful honesty and integrity is absolutely essential.If there are too many "blanks" (selective amnesia !?) and too much "justifying" then it defeats the purpose of a memoir.There are bound to be responses from people who have been unfairly "branded".I am just amazed he does not recognise his roots!Of course everyone knows that he is a constitutional malay...nothing more, nothing less!
With many distortion of facts, I hope it will not be a crying shame of him and those who bear his name later.
ReplyDeleteSo, sue me.
ReplyDeleteThen how come he never want to appear in court?
How come Mahathir never remember anything to do with VK Lingam case?
When Anwar chanllenge him him to appear in court Mahathir chicken out.
Enough with Mahathir auta.
Lee, do you always allow others to do the thinking for you? You must be brain dead.
ReplyDeleteNS - apart from it being really good reading and you liking his style, what do actually think about all the things that he said?
ReplyDeleteanon 3:43 pm
ReplyDeleteYou're one of the very few who are making such sweeping statement.
I wonder whether you have even read the book.
A memoir that is written with integrity and honesty is worth reading as it can contribute to history.But, if there are many "blanks" and too much justifying, then it is not worth the while to buy it.Of course he is entitled to his opinions, but, then his opinions should be based on facts.Like "The Malay dilemma"which was written based on his opinions without any scientific research, his memoir, perhaps, is written based on his opinions with little efforts to check on the facts but relying on his memory which at his age is "suspect".Spending RM 100 on a book for entertainment purpose may not be worth it.The memoir may not be even worth the the while to spend time on !
ReplyDeleteSome said .."Having second thoughts about buying the so-called memoir after having read numerous previews and commentaries from so many individuals".
ReplyDeleteWhy listen to reviewers? Read and digest it and make your own opinion!
To Anonympus 7.17,
ReplyDeleteHave you ever bought any book from Amazon.Com? It is normal procedure for many to read reviews or previews before deciding whether to buy the book.Do you want to spend hard earned money to buy something that is not worth it? It's as simple as that.Do you know opportunity cost ?I rest my case .
Ps read it with an open mind. I am sure u can judge the distorted views. Memoirs of individuals are & will always hv biased elements.
ReplyDeleteMany lessons could be learnt as well. If u consider Tun auta..... What about Anwar? He must be a mother Saint for doing all that he has done.
I am sure we could use our grey matter to analize the situation before our eyes.
Anwar Ibrahim is a liar... berapa kali mau tangguh kes???? peguam bukan seorang. mana lu punya lawan tetapi lawan. adey chit. ucupoley punya anwar la itu orang.
ReplyDelete