A DOCTOR IN THE HOUSE- BY TUN DR MAHATHIR MOHAMAD

TUN DR MAHATHIR MOHAMMAD

Dr Mahathir Mohammad has made Malaysia to be modern and well off with vast opportunities for the indigenous Malays who can now enjoy a higher standard of living .The genius of Mahathir lay in holding the three major tribes together while supervising the country’s progress. He pulled the country out of economic recession in the late 1990s and built the infra-structures necessary for economic growth. Malaysia is now a model for Myanmar, Laos, Cambodia and Vietnam more than Singapore. I would give three cheers to Dr Mahathir!

It is about 800 pages thick but I managed to finish it in three days. I bought it for Ringgit Malaysia 88 ringgit. The book explains Mahathir’s own insight into his childhood, education, growing up both as a young man and a politician and finally his view of Malaysia’s development throughout his 22 years. I suppose it is easier to read when you know how his mind works, Simply genius!

The book is interesting reading because it is written in simple and direct to the point where you can easily understand.As usual, you get the feeling while you are reading the book that it does not matter to him whether you agree or disagree with what he has written. He just wants to state his views as he sees it. I actually like this attitude! For example, he writes “This is the problem with the Americans – they want their defence industry to make money and be commercially successful. So they are eager to sell their arms”.

What I found impressive about the book is actually the simple manner in which it is written. He also recounts and analyses various vital events in the Nation’s history without complex language. Keeping in mind that this is the memoir of a former Prime Minster who has served almost 22 years, recounting diverse historical events is not an easy task. He discusses various political and national issues that arose during his premiership in a candid manner, sometimes probably too candid for some.

I find this book important to be read by everyone as it will give an insight into a Malaysian Prime Minister’s mind, particularly one who had undergone major political challenges during his time.

And guess what, he is back in action again! Eventhough he is 92 year old he showed up and came to this nation from getting sink. I hope and wish he can recreate the good old time during his last spell as prime minister before this. He also now holding the guiness world record for world's oldest prime minister. So there will be another section to be add in that book soon. Its not the end!