Capturing Hope - The Struggle Continues for a New Malaysia

by Mahathir Mohamad

Capturing Hope follows chronologically the events described by Dr Mahathir bin Mohamad’s best selling book A Doctor in the House. This standalone work chronicles not just the unexpected journey of Dr Mahathir back to premierahipbut also the great changes taking place within Malaysia today …….,

Genres: Biography

297 pages, Hardcover

Published December 12, 2021

About the author

Tun Dr. Mahathir bin Mohamad ( born 10 July 1925) (Jawi:محتير بن محمد) was the fourth Prime Minister of Malaysia. He held the post for 22 years from 1981 to 2003, making him Malaysia's longest-serving Prime Minister, and one of the longest-serving leaders in Asia. Mahathir's political career spanned almost 40 years, from his election as a Malaysian federal Member of Parliament in 1964, until his resignation as Prime Minister in 2003.

Reviews

[Neida · Rating 5 out of 5]

Hard to put down.
Messy Malaysian Malay politicians!
What’s going to happen to Malaysia in the future; when its time to hand it over to our children?
Some may not like it, disagree with it but I think this book should be read by everyone especially the younger generations who aspire to be a politician (even if you don’t like him).
There’s a lot of painful truth in this book.

[Bilal · Rating 5 out of 5]

Dr Mahathir Mohammad is one of the greatest leaders of our time...He did lots for his nation and country and showed the way of success practically to all the deprived nations around the globe...A great leader,doctor and human being...I strongly recommend this book along with "A doctor in the house" to all of you...Every one must read all his books.

[Mohd Nordin Che Omar · Rating 5 out of 5]

Tun M did it again just like A Doctor in the House. Once read, can’t put it down. No other Statesman can challenge him.

[Clement Ting · Rating 2 out of 5]

Disclaimer: I bought this book with the mindset of wanting to know what transpired that led to the fall of Pakatan Harapan.

This is a very rough estimate, but about 75% of the book is about Dr. M's personal thoughts and views that may have or may not have been substantiated by true facts. The book presents itself more like a diary written for outsiders that are interested to get into his head, understand his logic, rationale and philosophy. I was unable to agree with much of his thought processes, and it also felt like the book was trying to paint his innocence to his actions during his premiership, on both times as PM4 and PM7.

I am sure some may find his book an interesting read but as mentioned in the disclaimer, I am biased to find out the inside story of what happened, and not even a tiny bit interested in his thought processes on why he thinks his way was, is and should be the right way.

Even that 25% portion that I was interested in was written to justify his actions which I thought was not rational, mainly during his choice to resign after unofficially failing to gather the majority votes, yet still talks about doing it for the country. My view is that if he was truly interested to save the nation, resigning should have been last in his mind but alas, one can't rewind history to find out on the what ifs.

[asmaatj_ · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is my first time reading Tun M’s “magnum opus”, i took some time to comprehend that he’s not that kind of “Malay fanatic” like I thought of all along. I am rather convinced with his justifications on the importance of “affirmative actions” given the circumstances of Malay has been dwelling in even prior to the Independence. I wish I can make time to understand the spirit behind the drafting of the Constitution. (tbh i wonder why this is not thought to the youngsters? How would we know about all these if they were not included in the curricular?)

This book did a marvellous job in compiling the historic (and horific) moments of Malaysia’s political theatre. These are painful memories of the black chapter in our history. The inside stories from Tun M himself makes this book much more timeworthy to read.

[Kino · Rating 4 out of 5]

idk whether my rating is based on the book or the author. It's a deeply intriguing book in all honesty. I enjoyed reading it; not all parts but certainly the middle chapters. I think so far.. it's like Tun M's unfiltered political diary. It's a mix of sarcastic humor about politicians, forgotten history, his POV during GE14, plus his unpopular-but-valid opinions about Malaysia's new dilemma. I disagree with some of his opinions but yeah, he does have a point about it. I applaud how this book also allows me to be critical of Tun too; he's actually a very self-aware person so he truthfully admits his faults. I can understand the reasons why he made his decisions AND I can also understand why people are angry at him. I admire his way of thinking; overall, I conclude that geniuses are often alone in achieving success.

[Shirlyn Eng · Rating 3 out of 5]

I picked up this book with the intention to know the sequence of events and what actually led to the downfall of the Pakatan Harapan government back in 2020, albeit late since it has already been 5 years and we had 3 Prime Ministers from different party since then. Dr Mahathir is one of the very few politicians in Malaysia that write very well, his works from his previous book and blogposts have always generated buzz, attracting a lot of people to read and discuss his works. This book is actually a well-written book where Dr Mahathir wrote how he came out from his retirement, joined the PH coalition to overthrow Najib government and why he resigned as Prime Minister when his party Bersatu left the PH coalition and combined forces to form PN. I would say this book is a good book to know more about Dr Mahathir’s insights, perspectives and his views, however it still perplexed me even till today on some his actions like when he resigned as the PM because he lost support of his own party when other PH MPs still back him up and not holding to the promise of smooth PM position transition because he mentioned it is not discussed in the PH supreme council. In this book, he often criticized his previous right-hand men and even stated his choice of who should be PM(also questionable). He is also responsible for putting Najib as Badawi’s deputy, with high expectations Najib will do well but power corrupts. There are some events where his own actions contradict with the principles that he keeps on emphasizing. Overall it is a well-written book from Dr Mahathir but if you are looking for a book on Malaysian politics that is more holistic covering all angles and something more neutral this book might not be the one.

[Siti Nur Aishah Aleyes · Rating 5 out of 5]

Regardless of what people think of him during the last election, my respect for him is no less and i understood his feeling and concern for our country, none of which can never be compared to my own patriotic self. This book did a lot of justification and explaining on behalf of his act, esp those controversial lot. Whether or not those act are right or wrong, its very difficult for me to say because im no expert. Maybe some are just unnecessary for some people but its very important for him to stood up for himself that is through this book. All in all, at least for me, we should be grateful that he care for the country esp with bringing najib down, even if it too much. Because honestly, if he doesnt, you really think there’s someone else will do?

[Sani Raza Khanani]

I havent read this book but want to whenever I get it.

Mahathir Mohammad contribution is not only towards Malaysia but also towards ASEAN. He is an inspiration and example for honest leaders of underdeveloped world that how Malaysia transformed into an Developed Powerful Economy.

Another Book that I read years ago is also recommended. Writted by Lee Kuan Yew Former PM of Singapore.

[Lane · Rating 5 out of 5]

I started reading this book since January.
It took me a long time (plus the time, I lost this book) to finish this book not because it was difficult to be understood or boring. After a chapter I observed my surroundings to see if what was claimed in the chapter was still happening.

I also rearranged my priorities and tried to search for my own alternatives to give back to my country. Of course there were things in this book I disagreed.

But this book certainly changed me. At least, the way I think. Malaysia needs a younger generation of complete integrity.

[Isaac Tovarez · Rating 1 out of 5]

I don't think I'll be reading more of his work, and I'll probably avoid everything that has to do with him. There's really nothing in the book that stands out other than him fitting a character equivalent to Caligula. His political acumen is more self-serving than genuine. His philosophy is veiled under the useful slogan of logic, but upon closer re-reads, I find that he's completely reprehensible. I have no doubt that his drivel caters to ego-maniacs with tryannical dispositions.

[Hanis · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5/5 stars.

[M · Rating 4 out of 5]

Finally, a thorough narrative on the backdoor government coup. A well written book, with insights of the political landscape, which were not publicly known.