Dancing On Thin Ice

by Marina Mahathir

Marina Mahathir continues to make her mark as a community leader, writer and outspoken commentator on social and political affairs. She is also the eldest child of Malaysia's longest-serving prime minister. Marina has for more than 20 years written an insightful and provocative column which is published fortnightly in The Star newspaper. Dancing On Thin Ice is the third compilation of these columns to be be published by EDM, and features her most recent work from 2012 onwards as well as several of her best articles from earlier years. In Dancing On Thin Ice, Marina draws attention to the many dangers faced by Malaysia and raises and addresses issues that concern her and her fellow citizens. Along the way she recalls conversations with Nelson Mandela, proposes that Kuala Lumpur's National Mosque twin with St John s Cathedral, applauds the Malaysians who aid orphans of other faiths and admits to feeling like Alice in Wonderland. The book showcases Marina s perceptiveness and wit and her willingness to speak up for the vulnerable and defenceless. It also demonstrates her common-sense approach to tackling the challenges that beset right-thinking Malaysians, making the book essential reading for everyone interested in Malaysia and in making it a better place."

272 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2015

About the author

Marina is well known as a leader in many non-governmental organizations such as the Malaysian AIDS Foundation and is currently an active socio-political blogger. She also writes in her bi-weekly column called Musings in The Star newspaper since 1989. Some of her pieces in the column have been published in her books such as 50 Days: Rantings by MM, published in 1997 and Telling It Straight, published in 2012 by Editions Didier Millet. The latter is a selection of her articles published in her column between 2003 and 2012. It includes a foreword by Dr. Farish A. Noor, a local political scientist and historian. It contains 90 articles which are written thematically including a special written introduction on the topics discussed in the book. It also includes two previously unpublished articles.

She is an active campaigner for women's rights. In 2006 she has described the status of Muslim women in Malaysia as similar to that of the Black South Africans under apartheid.

Marina has called for an end to discrimination based on sexual orientations in 1998 and 1999.

She had appeared in Tun Dr. Mahathir Mohamad's Documentary released in late 2009 with the rest of the members of the Mahathir Family.

In 2010, she was awarded UN Person of The Year for her volunteer work in combatting HIV/AIDS

Reviews

[Rehan Abd Jamil · Rating 4 out of 5]

Girl Power!

[books.bintulu · Rating 3 out of 5]

Dec 2021: Dancing on Thin Ice

I pick up this book for many reasons:

1. It was displayed on the library shelf for weeks
2. Nice font size and spacing which I can handle at the moment
3. Somewhat an effect after my last read

This book compile the author's article in The Star from 2003-2015. Some are her comments on incidents that happened, which I had to google since I can't recall well. Topics range from feminism, politics, to her disagreement towards policy, research outcome, people in power etc.

I may not agree 100% with her opinion in this book but her writing style kept me turning the page.

I finished this book with a list of stuff to read further. Oh, there is a part called The Lists, where the author list down new year resolutions which perhaps can inspire us. For instance, 'Use car signal lights for a change' pg 264.

Btw on page 254 maybe there's an error in describing Saidatina Aishah?

[Maisarah · Rating 2 out of 5]

It bothered me a bit that the collection of articles weren't arranged by date, but that was only before I realised that they were sorted by topic instead. So even as a reader, my train of thought wasn't sidetracked too far off. I really liked how a variety of issues were presented - some of which I remember and some that came as quite a shock (How could this have happened? More importantly, how could I have not known?).

Although there were a few contradicting arguments here and there, the entire collection was just brimming with boldness - a rare quality to be found in a family member of any major political figure, possibly for the sheer reason that they've got a lot to lose.

[Amira · Rating 5 out of 5]

As a concerned citizen, I'd give 6 stars to MM for boldly voicing her observations and views on issues such as money politics, poverty, gender inequality and most importantly the state of leadership in our country (or the lack thereof). A must read for everyone.

[Prathayini Viknes · Rating 5 out of 5]

'Dancing on thin Ice" is the first politically based book that i'v read. It definitely widen my knowledge and understanding on the harsh reality of being a regular citizen in Malaysia. The issues tackled by Madam Marina were bold, insightful and most of all made me question the route our so called "Democratic country" in developing into a progressive nation on the whole. I loved her sarcasm in regards to the ludicrous religious practices and politicians mentality. The need for more intellects in our country is true. A must read for all ages in our country.

[Cindi · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book is written like a column. Plenty of rhetorical and philosophical questions. But I still enjoy it a fair bit. Finished this in an hour.