Forthcoming book No.2: MALAYSIA TOWARDS GE15 AND BEYOND

BY MURRAY HUNTER AND LIM TECK GHEE

An announcement of a collaborative two book series between Dr. Lim Teck Ghee and myself.

The second book: Malaysia towards GE15 and beyond

The writings collected here reflect the disappointment and pessimism of the two authors, Lim Teck Ghee and Murray Hunter, with the way Malaysia has developed as a nation over the last decade. Together with the collection in the companion volume titled Malaysia Towards GE15 and Beyond, the commentaries—mostly written individually and separately—share a common objective in seeking to dissect, analyse and clarify the issues bedevilling the country.

Initially appearing on social media as articles responding to contentious issues that have emerged in the nation’s politics and socio-economy, they have been brought together to provide a comprehensive and objective platform to be used by those actively canvassing for change and reform.

Endorsements:

“[W]hen articles are written by astute commentators of the calibre of
Hunter and Lim on the historical achievement of Malaysian voters rejecting
BN after 61 years of unbroken, continuous rule, and the emergence of the
nation’s first alternative governing coalition, they deserve to be collected in
a handy publication. After all, they represent the first draft of history, and
would serve as the first port of call for scholars in future decades
researching the truly historic period of 2018-2021 when posterity
beckoned.”

-Tommy Thomas
Former attorney-general of Malaysia

“Can Malaysia return to the nation-building principles our forefathers
agreed to—constitutional monarchy, separation of powers, rule of law,
democracy, good governance and a plural society? Lim and Hunter have
grappled with these issues which will decide the future of Malaysia.”

-Lim Kit Siang
MP for Iskandar Puteri and former leader of the opposition

“Lim and Hunter take on the daunting task of unravelling the complexities
of the Malaysian journey since independence. They have dared to touch on
all the issues that really matter which have been bullied out of the public
space for being ‘sensitive’ and therefore o-limits to any reasonable
discussion. Yet discuss them we must. Through the years, Malaysia, or rather
her politicians, have woven a tangled web of power, race, religion and
corruption that seems impenetrable. These power dynamics have brought
us to our current sorry state. This book helps us to take that crucial rst step
of looking at ourselves honestly and critically. If we can all put the nation
rst and do just that, we have a chance of the Malaysia we dreamed of. This
book is essential reading for all Malaysians who believe this is yet possible.”

-Ambiga Sreenevasan
Lawyer and human rights advocate

“It is common and even fashionable for Malaysians to lament on what’s
wrong with the country, blame politicians and the system, and then
sink into hopelessness and helplessness. Instead, we need to ask hard
questions, examine possible options, decide on viable solutions and team
up for collective action. This book by Lim and Hunter is an invitation for
Malaysians to stare into the dark forces overshadowing Malaysia’s past,
present and future and walk out of the woods of despair.”

-Wong Chin Huat
Professor, Jeffrey Cheah Institute on Southeast Asia

“This collection of short articles by Lim and Hunter, two well-known
social commentators, lays out in no uncertain terms that Malaysia is a
nation in crisis when it comes to the fundamental issues.”

-James Chin
Professor of Asian studies, University of Tasmania

“As Malaysians anticipate GE15, we would do well to read these well researched analyses by two of our best academics to avoid repeating the
same follies of the past. With the two main political coalitions becoming
interchangeable, Malaysia risks becoming a failed state if a progressive
Third Force does not emerge soon to resolve the Malaysian dilemma.”

-Kua Kia Soong
Socialist with Malaysian characteristics

“You may not agree with everything that two of Malaysia’s leading sociopolitical commentators, Lim and Hunter have written, and it may also be
one of the most depressing books you read, as they dissect what has gone
wrong in Malaysia. Whichever way you look at it, Malaysia is a failed
state. Putrajaya has failed the nation on several fronts—economically,
financially, politically, and made a mockery of democracy. As we hurtle
towards GE15, will Malaysians do the right thing and restore the
nation to the multicultural and secular path as envisioned by Tunku at
Merdeka? This timely book is a must-read for every voter.”

-Mariam Mokhtar
Rebuilding Malaysia

“Lim and Hunter are among a very small handful of scholars that dare to
bare the rotten and rotting foundation of Malaysian society, governance
and leadership, but still have the vision to paint some kind of hope for
this nation in her blurry future. This book is the bitter pill that must be
swallowed by Malaysians if we ever want to walk into the fresh air again.”

-Mohd Tajuddin Mohd Rasdi
Professor, UCSI University

“Lim and Hunter offer informed insights, firmly grounded on a sound
understanding of Malaysian politics, economy and society, to reform a
country confronted with the possibility of becoming a failed state.”

-Edmund Terence Gomez
Former professor of political economy, Universiti Malaya

“The writings of two brilliant scholars, Lim and Hunter…are a mustread for those still concerned about how to make this country a better
and more sensible place to call home. A tour de force of critical and
reconstructive analysis of a state we still have hope in.”

-Azly Rahman
Global educator, author, columnist

Preorder Below:

https://www.gerakbudaya.com/Malaysia-Towards-GE15-and-Beyond

Subscribe Below: