Monday, September 22, 2008

The Reluctant Politican


The Reluctant Politican - Tun Dr Ismail and His Time

This is the long-awaited biography of Malaysia's powerful Home Affairs Minister and Deputy Prime Minister Tun Dr Ismail Abdul Rahman, who passed away of a heart attack on 2 August 1973. It is based on his private papers and on numerous interviews with his relatives and with people who knew him well, including Ghafar Baba, Musa Hitam, Tengku Razaleigh Hamzah, Robert Kuok, Lee Kuan Yew and Ghazalie Shafie.

New perspectives are provided about the struggle for independence, Malaysia's relationship with Singapore, the origins of Southeast Asian regionalism, the internal conflicts of the ruling party UMNO, MCA-UMNO ties, the fatal illness of Tun Abdul Razak Hussein, the May 13 riots, and the New Economic Policy. This book contains not only new facts about Malaysian and Singaporean history, but also insights into the processes of decolonization and nation building.

Finally, I've finished reading this book. To my surprise, I learned a lot about Malaysia's road to independence. Unfortunately, Tun Dr Ismail never made it to the top. Nevertheless, he is truly a hero who was lost in time. The history of him should be made public and all politician should take this man's principal as an example...

He was the one who brought Malaysia to the world but sadly this unsung hero was only recognized as TTDI to an average Malaysian.
If he was made PM, I wonder what will happen to Mahathir....

Another issue that was highlighted is how powerful individuals from different races be it Malay, Chinese and Indian contributed their time and energy in achieving Independence. This act is the main point to be remembered in celebrating our National Day. We are all Malaysian. We deserve to be here. Until our last breath...




11 comments:

etomyam said...

yup, the truth is there are many heroes out there who fight for nation's development, but why only few get highlighted...

Lee said...

Hi Monster mom, Yes I remember him very well. He was a briliant man, very smart as well diplomatic.
It was a pity he never rose higher up.
Tun Hussein Onn too another very good man, but to me, Tunku Abdul Rahman, Razak, Hussein Onn were the best PM's my time.....

Tunku was a noted poker player too, he will get ideas during his poker games with Tan Siew Sin, etc....poker meeting, ha ha. While playing they discuss the nations affairs.
I must look for this book you read. Have a nice day, Lee.

Adry said...

interesting... got to have this biography... nice...

Adry @ http://www.adrysabry.com

Tie said...

Tun Dr Ismail mmg disegani , tapi org2 muda sekarang tak kenal pun.Nanti nak cari buku tu.

Monster Mom said...

etomyam - that is so true and I can only dream and hope that someday the government will change History syllabus.

U.Lee - He was also feared by most UMNO men....

Adry - I recommend it. A good and educational read indeed.

Tie - Tu yg sedih... sepatutnya kisah dia lebih banyak diwar-warkan..

Titicaca said...

ooo..have to find this in a bookstore...thnks

Pak Zawi said...

monster mom,
I saw the government quarters where he stayed during his tenure as DPM. It was nothing ostentatious like the present homes of our mininsters. I guess the peoples welfare was more on their mind then.

Bergen said...

Wishing you and family Selamat Hari Raya, ma'af zahir dan batin. Do be safe on the road if you're driving, y'hear?

Lee said...

Hi Monster Mom, yes...I do remember his very presence would make other politicians get the shakes, ha ha, as he was known never taking prisoners, or tolerate fools easily.
But he was a good man.
You have a great day, ada senang drop by, best regards, Lee.

Jorji said...

mmm.. saya kurang tau dan kenal dengan TD.Ismail.walaupun rumah saya hanya satu kilometer sahaja dari TTDI.
saya yakin ianya bukan salah saya seratus peratus..
dalam lipatan sejarah yg dipelajari di sekolah dahulu,nama Tun Dr Ismail tak banyak..atau hampir tiada.

Tapi dimasa lampau,memang tiada agaknya manusia yg berjuang kerana ingin mendapat pulangan berupa tanah,kontrek atau wang.Semuanya ingin mencapai impian yg satu iaitu merdeka.

Maka,saya kene beli buku ini.insyallah.

SELAMAT HARI RAYA
terima kasih

p/s : ada pop up setiap kali bukak blog ni...

Monster Mom said...

Titi - belilah. tak rugi. MM rasa nak baca lagi coz baca first time ni byk yg dah lupa...

Pak Zawi - he's a great man indeed. putting the nation above the rest.

Bergen - thank you sir!

Dear U.Lee - sometimes he reminds me of my father and hubby!!!

J - Kekadang tu ilmu kena di cari... sudila kiranya beli buku tu..