Political leaders and leadership Books

Book SynopsisMalaysia s longest-serving and most outspoken prime minister, Dr Mahathir Mohamad has been politically active for more than 60 years. As a young doctor he agitated for independence from the British and promoted the rights of the Malays, and his long political career culminated in his 22-year term as prime minister during which Malaysia s rapid development, his forthright words and singular policies thrust the country into the eyes of the world. Throughout his career, Dr Mahathir has spoken and written in a frank and uncompromising manner and he has continued to do so since retiring from the premiership in 2003; he remains a controversial figure to this day. The Wit and Wisdom of Dr Mahathir Mohamad is a collection of nearly 600 quotations spanning his time in government and beyond. The quotations are arranged by topic, including those as varied as leadership, race relations, the media, economics and development, colonialism, international relations including Israel and Palestine, and Malaysia itself."

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Book SynopsisAfter decades of overwhelming political domination by the People's Action Party (PAP), Singapore has entered a phase of political transition. It started with the loss of a group representation constituency (GRC) in the 2011 General Election (GE2011). After a huge rebound in the fortunes of the PAP in the 2015 General Election following the death of founding Prime Minister Lee Kuan Yew, the transition resumed in the 2020 General Election with the loss of yet another GRC. This book looks at the Workers' Party, Singapore's leading opposition party, through the eyes of Yee Jenn Jong, former Non-Constituency Member of Parliament (NCMP) and Central Executive Committee member of the party. Jenn Jong took an unexpected leap into opposition politics just weeks before GE2011 and came out with a narrow loss of just 1% of the popular votes. In this book, he recounts his three contests in the general elections from 2011-2020, parliamentary work, and other activities in opposition politics. This book hopes to let readers better understand the nature of the work by opposition politicians in Singapore, which has been dominated by the PAP's narrative since 1959. The author also shares his thoughts on the shape of Singapore's politics going forward.Table of ContentsPreface; Life Before Blue; Taking the Leap; The Battle for Joo Chiat SMC; Parliament; Engaging the Community; The Battle for Marine Parade GRC (1); The Battle for Marine Parade GRC (2); A Peek into the Workers' Party; Whither Singapore; Reflections;

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Book SynopsisAfter decades of overwhelming political domination by the People's Action Party (PAP), Singapore has entered a phase of political transition. It started with the loss of a Group Representation Constituency (GRC) in the 2011 general election (GE2011). After a huge rebound in the fortunes of the PAP in the 2015 general election following the death of founding Prime Minister Lee Kuan Yew, the transition resumed in the 2020 general election with the loss of yet another GRC. This book looks at the Workers' Party, Singapore's leading opposition party, through the eyes of Yee Jenn Jong, former Non-constituency Member of Parliament and Central Executive Committee member of the party.Jenn Jong took an unexpected leap into opposition politics just weeks before GE2011 and came out with a narrow loss of just one percent of the popular votes. In this book, he recounts his three contests in the general elections from 2011-2020, parliamentary work, and other activities in opposition politics. This book hopes to let readers better understand the nature of the work by opposition politicians in Singapore, which has been dominated by the PAP's narrative since 1959. The author also shares his thoughts on the shape of Singapore's politics going forward.Related Link(s)Table of ContentsPreface; Life Before Blue; Taking the Leap; The Battle for Joo Chiat SMC; Parliament; Engaging the Community; The Battle for Marine Parade GRC (1); The Battle for Marine Parade GRC (2); A Peek into the Workers' Party; Whither Singapore; Reflections;

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Book SynopsisThis book presents the first oral history of Indonesia's President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono (SBY) (2004-2014). As the first directly elected president, he played a very important role in Indonesia's democratization. Indonesia's economy also got back on the path of growth under his administration.In a series of interviews, SBY tells how he handled military affairs in 1990s, what he did as minister and coordinating minister under President Abdurrahman Wahid and President Megawati Sukarnoputri, challenges he confronted and how he managed those challenges in his administration. Readers will learn his thought about statecraft, his view of the future, his style of leadership, and the critical decisions he made and the thinking that informed his decisions. Interviewed by a team of Indonesia specialists for more than 30 hours, the oral recording helps the reader understand President Yudhoyono's thinking in his own voice, and also, his policies and actions.

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Book SynopsisThis book presents the first oral history of Indonesia's President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono (SBY) (2004-2014). As the first directly elected president, he played a very important role in Indonesia's democratization. Indonesia's economy also got back on the path of growth under his administration.In a series of interviews, SBY tells how he handled military affairs in 1990s, what he did as minister and coordinating minister under President Abdurrahman Wahid and President Megawati Sukarnoputri, challenges he confronted and how he managed those challenges in his administration. Readers will learn his thought about statecraft, his view of the future, his style of leadership, and the critical decisions he made and the thinking that informed his decisions. Interviewed by a team of Indonesia specialists for more than 30 hours, the oral recording helps the reader understand President Yudhoyono's thinking in his own voice, and also, his policies and actions.

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Book SynopsisMusings Series 1 Musings Series 2 Musings Series 3Over sessions which lasted two to three hours each time, every week for half a year, George Yeo met and mused over a wide range of topics with writer Woon Tai Ho and research assistant Keith Yap. Speaking from notes, he began with himself and his hope for Singapore, and then spanned over a wide range of subjects — from the importance of human diversity and Singapore's reflection within itself of the world, to history, politics, economics, philosophy, taijigong and religion. He gives his views on India, China, ASEAN, Europe, the US and other parts of the world, and how Singapore's history and destiny are connected to all of them. The style is conversational and anecdotal.George Yeo: Musings is exactly that — musings. Some themes recur throughout the book which reflect his view of life. But there is no grand theory. He does not expect all of his reflections to be of interest to everyone, but he hopes that everyone will find something of interest.

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Book SynopsisMusings Series 1 Musings Series 2 Musings Series 3Over sessions which lasted two to three hours each time, every week for half a year, George Yeo met and mused over a wide range of topics with writer Woon Tai Ho and research assistant Keith Yap. Speaking from notes, he began with himself and his hope for Singapore, and then spanned over a wide range of subjects — from the importance of human diversity and Singapore's reflection within itself of the world, to history, politics, economics, philosophy, taijigong and religion. He gives his views on India, China, ASEAN, Europe, the US and other parts of the world, and how Singapore's history and destiny are connected to all of them. The style is conversational and anecdotal.George Yeo: Musings is exactly that — musings. Some themes recur throughout the book which reflect his view of life. But there is no grand theory. He does not expect all of his reflections to be of interest to everyone, but he hopes that everyone will find something of interest.

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Book SynopsisMy Journey in Politics: Practical Lessons in Leadership shares the author's journey in Singapore politics from 1991 to 2011. Tracing what he and different groups of people he worked with across the government ministries and agencies, grassroots organisations and charitable groups — both volunteers and staff — did together to make Singapore a better and safer place, it also shares his leadership style in action.

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Book SynopsisMy Journey in Politics: Practical Lessons in Leadership shares the author's journey in Singapore politics from 1991 to 2011. Tracing what he and different groups of people he worked with across the government ministries and agencies, grassroots organisations and charitable groups — both volunteers and staff — did together to make Singapore a better and safer place, it also shares his leadership style in action.

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Book SynopsisUnderstanding Singapore Politics is written to address the dearth of a succinct overview on Singapore politics. This introductory text looks at the factors that shape the island-republic's domestic politics, the key institutions and issues in the city-state, electoral power as well as the political direction Singapore is likely to take in a post-Lee Kuan Yew era. The specific institutions covered for discussion include the mass media, trade unions, civil service and grassroots organisations. The role of civil and civic society, including pressures for democratisation, is also examined. In addition, various new political issues — the importance of race, income equality and migration — and their implications are discussed. Finally, the linkage between Singapore's domestic and foreign policy is analysed. This foundational guide to Singapore politics is recommended for anyone who has an interest or a stake in the island republic.

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Book SynopsisUnderstanding Singapore Politics is written to address the dearth of a succinct overview on Singapore politics. This introductory text looks at the factors that shape the island-republic's domestic politics, the key institutions and issues in the city-state, electoral power as well as the political direction Singapore is likely to take in a post-Lee Kuan Yew era. The specific institutions covered for discussion include the mass media, trade unions, civil service and grassroots organisations. The role of civil and civic society, including pressures for democratisation, is also examined. In addition, various new political issues — the importance of race, income equality and migration — and their implications are discussed. Finally, the linkage between Singapore's domestic and foreign policy is analysed. This foundational guide to Singapore politics is recommended for anyone who has an interest or a stake in the island republic.

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Book SynopsisGoh Chok Tong was an improbable Prime Minister for an unlikely country. He had neither the connections nor the cunning to rise to the top, and was even once famously derided by his mentor Lee Kuan Yew for being 'wooden' in his communication skills. Except for an imposing height most unusual in this part of the world, he was an ordinary man. He lost his father at a young age, lived in a two-bedroom public flat with his mother and four siblings and needed a government bursary to complete university.Yet somehow he succeeded. Tall Order tells the extraordinary story of his life and career over half a century, revealing how Singapore's second Prime Minister rose through a combination of strength, wit and a political nous which many, including himself, did not know he had. In this first of two volumes, Goh navigated years of a challenging apprenticeship to Lee, scoring numerous policy successes but also suffering political blows and humiliation.He was the man who first made Neptune Orient Lines, Singapore's national carrier, profitable, before entering politics. The stellar corporate stint was followed by his many novel policies and institutions that have since become household names in the country: Medisave, Total Defence, Residents' Committee and Nominated Member of Parliament. But the highlights were counterposed by setbacks, including overseeing the People's Action Party's first electoral defeat after independence at the Anson by-election.In the hands of acclaimed author and journalist Peh Shing Huei, this authorised biography reveals the private deliberations and negotiations between Goh and Lee before the maiden leadership transfer of independent Singapore. Tall Order is the first biography of Goh. This riveting book offers rare insights into Singapore's biggest and most important political and economic stories. .Related Link(s)

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Book SynopsisThis is a fascinating and insightful biography of one of the world's longest reigning and most revered monarchs. King Bhumibol Adulyadej of Thailand is the world's longest reigning living monarch - an achievement few would have predicted when the Thai king acceded the throne after the mysterious death of his brother in 1946. How did King Bhumibol revive the sinking fortunes of the Thai monarchy? Why has he become arguably the most revered king in Thai history? This illustrated biography tells that remarkable story. Beginning with an introduction explaining the unique history and traditions of the Thai monarchy, King Bhumibol Adulyadej offers a fresh and insightful account of his life, from his birth in America and education in Europe to his unexpected accession to the throne. Following him through the Cold War and Indochina War periods, the book shows how the king has used his position to help develop the country and its people while at the same time securing the status of the monarchy itself.

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Book SynopsisOver the six-month period from late 2012 to early 2013, Hu Jintao, the President of the People's Republic of China, Chair of the Central Military Commission, and Party Secretary of the Chinese Communist Party (CCP), will relinquish at least two of his three positions. According to the constitution of the CCP, his time as Party head will come to an end, given that he has already served for two terms. Well over the supposed retirement age of 68, he will have to hand over the leadership of China to a new generation of leaders at the 18th Party Congress in Beijing. In Chinese politics, the act of retirement is surprisingly difficult, but Hu Jintao is widely known for his reserve and reticence; there is little doubt that he could disappear into a quiet and anonymous retirement if he so desires.This timely volume thus aims to provide an analytical assessment of Hu's period in charge of the world's most populous country. It concentrates briefly on his early life and entry into politics, then considers and evaluates his stewardship of the economy and of international affairs, as well as his ideological contribution and leadership of the communist party. In the process, the reader will also be afforded a broad overview of China's rapid developments over the last decade, since 2002.Table of ContentsIntroduction; Life; The Hu Era: Politics and Internal Affairs; The Chinese Economy Under Hu; China's International Face Under Hu; What Does Hu Think? Ideology in the Hu Era; It's the Party: Hu and the CCP; Conclusion: Hu Jintao, a Provisional Assessment.

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Book SynopsisRising superpower China duly anointed a new generation of leaders led by Xi Jinping at the Communist Party's 18th National Congress held in November 2012. While the conclave itself passed off with smoothly choreographed efficiency, the months leading up to this once-a-decade transition were anything but orderly. Intense factional wrangling behind the scenes was accompanied by scandals very much in public view. In the most spectacular furore the political aspirations of Communist aristocrat Bo Xilai were dashed, at one time threatening to derail the meticulous stage managing of the congress itself.At the start of what turned out to be a tumultuous year, the South China Morning Post set out on an ambitious project to chronicle the transfer of power to the so-called fifth generation of Chinese leaders, delving behind the cloak of secrecy that routinely masks Beijing's corridors of power. The result was unparalleled coverage and a series of exclusives that kept the newspaper well ahead of its peers on this remarkable story.While the past decade saw China's supercharged economy accelerate past Japan to become the world's second-largest, the coming decade is expected to see China led by Xi and his team move towards catching up the United States as the world's top economic force. Who are the people that will guide China through its challenges at home and on the global stage? By profiling dozens of rising stars as well as current movers and shakers, the SCMP has provided the most complete portrait to date of the leaders who will control the world's most populous country over the next decade. This book aims to provide the reader with a comprehensive insight into the men, and the tiny handful of women, who are going to be charting that course.Table of ContentsFrom Strongman to Consensus Rule; The Hu-Wen Decade: Glorious, Golden and Lost; Change Agent or Steady as She Goes?; Sent-Down Youth Rise Up; Power behind the Curtain; Bo Xilai: Slide from Fame to Shame; Beijing's Big Reshuffle; Jangling Global Nerves; Reform: Easier Said than Done; New Leaders Seek China's Renewal; Will China Miracle Lose Its Magic?; The Media Genie; Lost, Found and Still Searching; Who to Watch.

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Book SynopsisRising superpower China duly anointed a new generation of leaders led by Xi Jinping at the Communist Party's 18th National Congress held in November 2012. While the conclave itself passed off with smoothly choreographed efficiency, the months leading up to this once-a-decade transition were anything but orderly. Intense factional wrangling behind the scenes was accompanied by scandals very much in public view. In the most spectacular furore the political aspirations of Communist aristocrat Bo Xilai were dashed, at one time threatening to derail the meticulous stage managing of the congress itself.At the start of what turned out to be a tumultuous year, the South China Morning Post set out on an ambitious project to chronicle the transfer of power to the so-called fifth generation of Chinese leaders, delving behind the cloak of secrecy that routinely masks Beijing's corridors of power. The result was unparalleled coverage and a series of exclusives that kept the newspaper well ahead of its peers on this remarkable story.While the past decade saw China's supercharged economy accelerate past Japan to become the world's second-largest, the coming decade is expected to see China led by Xi and his team move towards catching up the United States as the world's top economic force. Who are the people that will guide China through its challenges at home and on the global stage? By profiling dozens of rising stars as well as current movers and shakers, the SCMP has provided the most complete portrait to date of the leaders who will control the world's most populous country over the next decade. This book aims to provide the reader with a comprehensive insight into the men, and the tiny handful of women, who are going to be charting that course.Table of ContentsFrom Strongman to Consensus Rule; The Hu-Wen Decade: Glorious, Golden and Lost; Change Agent or Steady as She Goes?; Sent-Down Youth Rise Up; Power Behind the Curtain; Bo Xilai: Slide from Fame to Shame; Beijing's Big Reshuffle; Jangling Global Nerves; Reform: Easier Said Than Done; New Leaders Seek China's Renewal; Will China Miracle Lose Its Magic?; The Media Genie; Lost, Found and Still Searching; Who to Watch.

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Book SynopsisWith Foreword by S R Nathan‘A scholar by inclination, a businessman by necessity, a diplomat by duty’ — those were the apt words chosen by a reporter in 1966 to describe Tan Siak Kew and his multi-dimensional public life. He was a fervent supporter of education, President of the Chinese Chamber of Commerce for multiple terms, Chairman of the Nantah University Council, Singapore's first ambassador to Thailand, nominated member of the Legislative Assembly, community leader of the Teochews, and notable philanthropist. Effectively bilingual and conscious of his responsibility to both his community and the new nation which was about to be born, Tan was able to act as the bridge between the Chinese-speaking and English-speaking communities with his tact and non-partisan position. Tan Siak Kew: Going Against the Grain, is a biographical sketch of this under-appreciated pioneer, telling the story of his public life through historical records and discussions with his contemporaries.Table of ContentsIntroduction; The Birth of a Spirit; Red Sun over Malaya; Sojouners to Settlers; Business is not Politics; Diplomat by Duty; Waking from the Nantah Dream; Conclusion;

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Book SynopsisUp Close with Lee Kuan Yew gathers some of the vivid memories of 37 people who have worked or interacted closely with Lee Kuan Yew in some way or other, from when he was at Raffles College in 1941 right up to his demise in 2015. Among these are his 13 Principal Private Secretaries and Special Assistants, and Mdm Yeong Yoon Ying, his Press Secretary of over 20 years. The others include former President S.R. Nathan, Puan Noor Aishah who is the widow of President Yusof Ishak, former Chief Justice Yong Pung How, and friends such as Robert Kuok from his Raffles College days. This book captures an unvarnished look at what it was like to interact with the serious and no nonsense Mr Lee, both at work and outside of work.

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Book SynopsisA scholar from Nahdlatul Ulama by the name of Imaduddin Utsman has recently challenged the long-accepted claim that the Ba'Alawi—Muslims of Hadhrami descent also known in Indonesia as habaib—are descendants of Prophet Muhammad. The challenge arose out of his critical examination of available records on the Prophet's lineage from the fifth century to the tenth century of Islam. His unprecedented challenge courted controversy in Indonesia. It was even more surprising that it came from a religious scholar with a traditionalist background. The debate that ensued was inevitable as the habaib community had to defend their ancestry, and joining them in their defence were some Javanese Muslim scholars. However, Imaduddin actively rebutted their responses, alongside several other like-minded non-Arab scholars. This article examines the debate where both sides presented documents and theories about the (dis)connection of the Ba'Alawi lineage to Prophet Muhammad. We argue that while Imaduddin's research does not fully invalidate the Ba'Alawi lineage, the habaib have not been entirely convincing—from Imaduddin's perspective—about their genealogy. Nevertheless, the authority of the habaib remains intact despite the challenge to their lineage. This is because they can derive their authority from other factors apart from their lineage.

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Book SynopsisA powerful, candid, and richly detailed memoir from an American icon, revealing what life looks like after presidency: triumphs, tribulations, and all.On January 20th, 2001, after nearly thirty years in politics—eight of them as President of the United States—Bill Clinton was suddenly a private citizen. Only fifty-four years old, full of energy and ideas, he wanted to make meaningful use of his skills, his relationships with world leaders, and all he’d learned in a lifetime of politics, but how? Just days after leaving the White House, the call came to aid victims of a devastating earthquake in India, and Clinton hit the ground running. Over the next two decades, he would create an enduring legacy of public service and advocacy work, from Indonesia to Louisiana, Northern Ireland to South Africa, and in the process reimagine philanthropy and redefine the impact a former president could have on the world.Citizen is Clinton’s front-row, first-person chronicle of his post-presidential years and the most significant events of the twenty-first century, including 9/11 and the runup to the Iraq War, the Haiti earthquake, the Great Recession, COVID-19, the January 6th insurrection, and the enduring culture wars of our times. Yet Citizen is more than a presidential memoir. These pages capture Clinton in a rare and unforgettable light: not only as celebrated former president and foundation leader, but also as a father, grandfather, and husband. He shares his support for Hillary Clinton during her tenure as senator, secretary of state, and presidential candidate, and openly details the frustration and pain of the 2016 election.With clarity and compassion, President Clinton also weighs in on the unprecedented challenges brought on by a global pandemic, ongoing inequality, a steadily warming planet, and authoritarian forces dedicated to weakening democracy. In this landmark publication, the highly anticipated follow-up to the best-selling My Life, Clinton pens a clear-sighted account of American democracy on a global stage, offering a frank reflection on the past and, with it, a fearless embrace of our future. Citizen is a testament to one man’s unwavering commitment to family and nation, a self-portrait of equal parts eloquence, insight, and candor.

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Book SynopsisIn Volume Three of this four-volume series, we examine the rhetorical development that occurred during the first two terms of Vladimir Putin’s tenure as president of the Russian Federation. Initially, Putin appeared to follow in the path set by his predecessor, Boris Yeltsin, vowing that Russia was, at heart, a European nation and would be a westward facing democracy going forward. He even mentioned partnering with the EU and NATO. Eight years later, at the 2007 Munich Security Conference, Putin excoriated the West for, in his words, attempting to create a “unipolar world” in which NATO expansion threatened Russia’s security, the United States acted as the world’s sole “hegemon,” and Europe simply followed orders, relinquishing any sense of agency in its own affairs.

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