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Dr Azhari Karim says:
BOOK REVIEW
“NATION BUILDING THE MALAYSIAN WAY”
This is a book that one will not want to put down from start to finish. I did just that.
Why?
Four reasons. One, it breaks down the different phases of Malaysia’s development history from the Merdeka days until today and identifies what had gone wrong and how does one get out of it. Two, it discusses the roles adopted by the different personalities: the Nationalists, National Unity heroes, Islamicists, Big Picture Pundits and Global Futurists involved in the process to move the country forward. Three, it challenges the many successes and failures encountered along the way, big and small, by the leadership of the day and assesses their significance or otherwise to the country and the people. Four, having gone through what the Author had termed as the “7 Missed Chances at Nation Building”, he ventured to ask the moot questions: “where are we going now?” and “what do we really want?”.
Where are we going? In trying to figure out the directions the people wish to go to, future Governments will have to determine three important questions. As listed by the author, these are: know our history; list our strengths and weaknesses; move with unity to achieve the goals together.
What do we really want? This question is rightfully addressed by the Author to the people of Malaysia who will have to decide on what model of development is the most apt to seek national and social unity for the people and the country.
The better choice is to go for a bias-free multi-racial society throughout. Alternatively, and this has been widely mentioned in the book, the people will have to go for a model of society that has stood up against time and had survived till today albeit amid a lot of give and take from all the races. Admittedly, there will be the usual stresses and strains along the way, but nothing can stop its progress given a tight legal surrounding present in its operation in Malaysian society since the country achieved Independence in 1957.
For the Malays given its history and population numbers and being recognised as ‘sons of the soil’ in the country’s Constitution, MH, the Author, has cited for them the following: to survive in this world the Malays must progress based on the concept he has defined as the “Life Balance”, a reference to the twin paths of succeeding at making worldly gains on Earth and yet remaining within the bounds of the spiritual demands in the Hereafter. The Author can be credited for introducing this concept of the ‘Life Balance’ in his first book, “Seeking a Life Balance” (Elm Edge, 2023) to help the Believer in Islam to conduct his or her life on Earth with a strong push for life in the Hereafter as well. Ameen
Dr Azhari-Karim, Former Malaysian Ambassador for Malaysia and Diplomat, Associate Professor, Author and Scholar
26 November 2024
Faris Al Nassir says:
Book Review
History often surprises us with its complexity, and this book masterfully demonstrates how expanding perspectives and questioning established narratives can lead to profound insights. The author succeeds in presenting an alternative interpretation of Malaysia’s history through thoughtful analysis and comparisons with the experiences of other nations.
One of the standout aspects of the book is the depth of thought given to Malaysia’s formative years. It gave me a newfound appreciation for the contributions of figures like Dato’ Onn Ja’afar and their pivotal roles in securing our independence. The discussion on how a stronger foundation in governance could have shaped a more robust education system was particularly thought-provoking. I thoroughly enjoyed the first part of the book, which felt rich in detail and analysis.
On the second part of the book, I wish the author had spent more time elaborating on his views, maintaining the engaging and reflective tone of the first half.
How Malaysia Missed 7 Chances at Nation Building is a compelling read that challenges its audience to rethink the path our nation has taken. It is an essential book for anyone interested in Malaysia’s history, insights of its policies, and future potential.
Faris Al Nassir
Atef says:
Politics and history is never my cup of tea. To be very honest, it took me some time to read through the first chapter. But reading the second chapter really put my mind to work.
Dato’ Onn Ja’afar is not unknown to me as he has been repeatedly mentioned as one of the nationalists who played an important role to achieve Independence especially in History Textbooks. His resignation is mentioned but it never dawned on me that the reason for it deems him a ‘traitor’ to many.
The second chapter shine a new light on him for me. He was in fact an incredible visionary who was ahead of his time. Pity that his effort was cut short due to, in my opinion; his thin patience.
This chapter prompts me to imagine, the possibilities and the opportunities for today’s youth, had he successfully persuaded UMNO to change their mission to achieve a united Malaya. Would we thrive economically and harmoniously as a nation? Would it lead to the birth of a generation who are more proactive and forward thinking?
If this generation had a leader as brilliant as Dato’Onn Ja’afar, would this generation welcome and celebrate his ideas and work hand-in-hand to rebuild the nation’s economy?
With more youth realising the importance of racial unity and unfitness of certain leaders of this nation, I believe that such vision can prompt Malaysia’s progress.
The second chapter excites me to continue reading this book. Hoping for more interesting insights on the nation’s politics as i continue reading.
Aimi Adlina says:
Interesting how Malaysia had a shot at independence right after Japan surrendered. Tapi tak jadi—why? Disunity among leaders and British influence played major roles. Imagine if we’d sorted it out earlier. Would history have turned out differently?
If we’d been more united, could we have avoided years of negotiation with the British? Independence isn’t just about timing—it’s about leadership and a shared vision.
This is just from the first chapter, and it’s honestly so unexpected—benda yang jarang kita dengar. Makes you wonder what else we’ve overlooked in history.
If we’d come together sooner after Japan surrendered, would merdeka hav been easier or would it still be a long road ahead?
Currently reading 2nd chapter and it’s quite exciting! Im enjoying this so far.. if you never turn the page you will never know what the next part has in store for you. Multiracial umno?—the idea itself feels so bold. For all genZ out there who aspire to be or are in leadership need to read this book!
Nawal says:
Finished it over two days. Felt like the author was listening into conversations and debates I’ve been having with my siblings over ‘masalah-masalah negara’ that we feel so powerless to change. I remember one discussion with an aunt almost thirty years ago over Mahathirism and the progress the country was seeing under his not so benign rule. I was in support of the growth but she was worried that our values were being eroded. She was certainly right as this book pointed out so clearly. Good call on her part. Highly readable!
Perbagaran says:
Hi Dato’ ..read your HMM7C. Inspiring and thought provoking..this are my humble comments/suggestion (i am a novice here):
1. Dato’ surely had spent a lot of time, energy and effort to write this book out of your passion and caring for the nation. Probably Dato’ can consider playing a more active role in moving the needle over and above writing this book. The community needs leaders like Dato’ to further inspire and bring changes to the status quo.
2. The community to be specific the bumi needs to also look beyond just the policy support to bring changes and improvement in the way business is run and managed. What’s gotten easy most of the time not appreciated as the saying goes. For this the successful business leaders must show the way to the rest so that the community at large also prospers.
3. I truly echo your sentiment and suggestion of revamping the education and bring the single stream as a baseline to improve nationalism spirit.
4. Finally if given an option, the nation ought to be able to run without too much political interference. We even after 67 years of independence have not moved away from political leaders to chart the future of the country.
I enjoyed the read Dato’ and my best wishes to you. Hope to see more inspiring stories form Dato’.
Warm regards
Perbagaran says:
Hi Dato’ .. read your second book..l have to qualify I am just a novice in this area.. hope what I am sharing will bring some new perspectives:
1. Having spent so much time, energy and effort in writing and giving recommendations to relevant “stakeholders”.. on how to bring better equality amongst races particularly the bumiputera community, I suggest for Dato to also move the needle by being in the forefront to make this changes ..
2. Second point is whilst policy amendments is needed, the greater and more impactful change is via the community itself.. the business leaders must play the catalyst role in nurturing and building the SMEs .. liken to the Chinese community, they didn’t have much government support but thrived due to the community support which i guess honestly be the bumis and even Indians lack this a lot more.
3. I echo one of your key points of having a single education system which should bring about the needed change .. of course you with much needed education system overhaul
4. Finally given a choice if possible the country should be less reliant on political system to bring about the changes .. the community and the relevant system must be able to make the changes and pivot where necessary to ensure country can be governed well irrespective who the political master is.
Again my humble comments for Dato’s attention..
Warm regards