Malaysian maverick : Mahathir Mohamad in turbulent times

Mahathir Mohamad turned Malaysia into one of the developing world's most successful economies. He adopted pragmatic economic policies alongside repressive political measures and showed that Islam was compatible with representative government and modernization. He emerged as a Third World champion and Islamic spokesman by standing up to the West. The grandson of an Indian immigrant and the first Malay commoner to become prime minister of Malaysia, Mahathir Mohamad turned the Muslim-majority Southeast Asian country into one of the developing world's most successful economies. During his 22 years in power he adopted pragmatic economic policies alongside repressive political measures, and showed that Islam was compatible with representative government and modernization. Abrasive and outspoken, Mahathir emerged as a Third World champion and Islamic spokesman by condemning the West, not least for trying to impose liberal democracy and neo-liberal economics on developing nations. By raising living standards and winning international acclaim, he contributed to a sense of national identity, pride and confidence among ethnically diverse Malaysians. But in mixing business and politics, Mahathir encouraged cronyism and failed to prevent the spread of corruption. Authoritarian and impatient, he jailed opponents, sacked rivals and undermined institutions as he pursued his obsession with development. In retirement, he broke a promise to stay out of politics, falling out with his two successors while using all available means to protect his legacy " ... An astute and thorough new biography ... ' The Economist ... it reads like a thriller ... this is a book about Malaysia that must be read.' The Jakarta Post 'Mr. Wain's book is biography at its best.' The Wall Street Journal ' ... a masterful biography ... Malaysian Maverick is both meticulous and magisterial. This is journalism of the highest order.' Lowy Institute for International Policy 'Barry Wain's Malaysian Maverick will, for a long time to come, be the best companion for a painful national soul-searching for Malaysia ... Wain spent two-and-a-half years painstakingly putting together this revealing book ... For those who want a peek into the rollercoaster years under Dr. Mahathir and at the same time search for a different future for Malaysia, this is an indispensable guide."--Malaysiana Front Matter....Pages i-x Front Matter....Pages 1-1 Politicized by War and Peace....Pages 3-21 An Early Introduction to Brutal Politics....Pages 22-49 Front Matter....Pages 51-51 From Outcast to Presidential Premier....Pages 53-84 The Vision of a Modern Nation....Pages 85-123 A Volatile Mix of Business and Politics....Pages 124-148 Scandal, What Scandal?....Pages 149-182 Big, Bigger, Bust....Pages 183-196 An Uncrowned King....Pages 197-216 The Perils of a Pragmatic Islam....Pages 217-241 A Strident Voice for the Third World....Pages 242-276 The Destruction of a Designated Heir....Pages 277-304 Front Matter....Pages 305-305 A Bare-Knuckle Brawl Over One Man’s Legacy....Pages 307-339 A Place in History....Pages 340-351 Back Matter....Pages 352-363