Malaysian Maverick: The man who will not be ignored

• Main Author: Knowledge@SMU
• Format: text
• Language: English
• Published: Institutional Knowledge at Singapore Management University 2010
• Subjects: Law
• Online Access: https://ink.library.smu.edu.sg/ksmu/220; https://ink.library.smu.edu.sg/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=1219&context=ksmu
• Institution: Singapore Management University

It's hard not to sit up and pay attention when one of the region's most influential political leaders speaks. But what happens when the rhetoric takes a turn towards anti-Semitism, anti-Westernisation and the antiquated? With more than two decades in office, Mahathir Mohamad is Malaysia's longest-serving chief executive and arguably one of the country's most respected figures. Retired since 2003, the nation's 'Father of Modernisation' has been through two heart surgeries, started a bakery business, and still, somehow, maintained a strong vocal presence in politics – with some degree of success – through his blog, news commentaries and public-speaking engagements. What makes the man tick? A new book courts controversies in its attempt for answers.