A Very Malaysian thing to do…Abiding Times
March 19, 2011
BOOK REVIEW by FreeMalaysia Today
A very Malaysian thing to do, but…
by Aneesa Alphonse
“This is an extraordinary book by an exceptionally talented Malaysian writer and thinker. The author, Tunku Zain Al-’Abidin has strong views on the place of democratic principles, values and practice in a modern society. He has an instinctive grasp of social, economic and political issues that have dominated the newspaper headlines and plagued this nation of ours for more than half century of its existence as an independent nation.”
YBM Senator Tunku Abdul Aziz Ibrahim
Former Special Adviser on Ethics
to the Secretary-General of the United Nations
Tunku Zain Al-’Abidin Muhriz: ABIDING TIMES–An Insight into the Minds of Malaysia’s Thinking Youth (Singapore: Marshall Cavendish, 2011)
Those of us who are familiar with the column Abiding Times in The Sun cannot fail to notice—perhaps grudgingly—that the writer is articulate, witty and sometimes cheeky.
Some of us may be so full of envy that we secretly hope he is a complete wretch in person. Sorry to disappoint. Tunku Zain Al-‘Abidin Muhriz is actually a nice guy. And, though not yet 30, he thinks like a seasoned historian and can tell you almost anything you want to know about Tanah Melayu, Malaya and Malaysia.
‘Abiding Times: An insight into the minds of Malaysia’s thinking youth’ is a book which looks at democracy, education and civil liberty. It has forewords by Raja Aziz Addruse, Tunku Abdul Aziz Ibrahim and Tengku Razaleigh Hamzah.
One of the endearing things about Tunku Zain is his self-effacing attitude. He is fully aware there have been many others before him who have compiled their articles into books. “Some will say it’s cheating,” he says good-naturedly. Nonetheless, he is proud to continue what he calls “a very Malaysian thing to do”.
The articles appeared in The Sun between March 2008 and August 2010. He started writing them after his return from the United States, where he served as Public Sector Consultant with the World Bank.
Having read Tunku Zain’s column on a weekly and later on a monthly basis followed by not reading it at all, this writer is glad for Abiding Times the book. It offers a somewhat intimate insight into the man and his thoughts. Reading the articles one after another—yes, it’s quite the little page turner—we can see how strongly he feels about certain issues, particularly education and poverty eradication. There is passion in the penmanship.
If it doesn’t rock your boat, then the titles of the chapters might titillate—Rendering Rendang Routine, He Can Bloody Well Apologise, One Songket and Sorry But It Was A Black Day are just a few.
Some of the information found in the book will make for great conversation. For example, you will learn that the royal head dress is called “dendam tak sudah” (Chapter 7: What Unity Is Strength?).
Share this on your Facebook and chances are you will receive many “Likes” and numerous comments. This writer did. Tunku Zain says his parents – his father is the Ruler of Negeri Sembilan – helped shape his views.
“Although our opinions may differ,” he grinned, “I still get to express what I think and feel, and what I write are my opinions alone.”
Apart from being an author, Tunku Zain is also Founder President of IDEAS (Institute of Democracy and Economic Affairs).
The institute is inspired by the vision of Tunku Abdul Rahman Putra, Malaysia’s first prime minister, who declared in the 1957 Proclamation of Independence that this nation would be “forever a sovereign democratic and independent state founded upon the principles of liberty and justice and ever seeking the welfare and happiness of its people and the maintenance of a just peace among all nations.”
If Abiding Times sets the tone for other publications by local authors, the rakyat can look forward to being better educated about our heritage and collective nationality.
And when we think about the future of the country lying in the hands of the younger generation, we can enjoy a breath of fresh air—that is if people like the good prince decide to get more involved in governance.
If this happens, we might just see the return of the gilded days of our forefathers. Until that happens, we will just have to bide our time.
I had the chance to sit in whilst he delvered his talk here. He is very eloquent and obvious upbringing in England showed through his english accent. He is witty ( very english humour) and lots of common sense. His ability to take the mick out of our Govenremnt is great as we have no sense of humour at all and he has. We need to take the mick sometimes out of our selves to keep ourselves in check I believe. He was speaking with the Opposition . The only thing I thought distasteful was that they kept pointing how bad the Government is instead of highlighting their strengths and policies for change. Apart from that yes, he has a wicked sense of humour, obviously very intelligent and capable. His father is intelligent too and an astute business man, The Negeri royalty are astute in business. .
kathy - March 19, 2011 at 7:25 am
The Negeri royalty are astute in business. .
kathy – March 19, 2011 at 7:25 am
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Huh? Research Antah Group and you may have a change of mind. The Antah empire is slowly disappearing.
semper fi - March 19, 2011 at 8:07 am
Really Semper fi, When I was growing up they were family friends and were held in regard in business.
kathy - March 19, 2011 at 8:14 am
I have not met this young Negri Prince, but have read some of his articles in his book, Abiding Times, I am convinced if he remains anchored in reality and tempers his idealism with doses of realpolitik, we will hear more of him in the future. It is young people like the erudite Tunku Zain, Wan Saiful, and friends in IDEAS, who give me lots of hope for the future of our country.–Din Merican
dinobeano - March 19, 2011 at 11:23 am
Not much of a book review. More a review of the author. Even then nothing much there to hang my hat on.
Mr Bean - March 19, 2011 at 8:05 pm