By Shazwan Mustafa Kamal
KUALA LUMPUR, Oct 12- Veteran politician. Former Secretary General of Umno. Former Information Minister. Tan Sri Mohamed Rahmat, or Tok Mat, as he is more affectionately known, has definitely seen and done it all in the realm of politics, having served under four prime ministers.
So it came as no surprise to see droves of people and supporters greeting him during his book launch today, as he was also famously known as the man who supported Tun Dr Mahathir during his tenure as Prime Minister.
Tok Mat’s book “Umno: Akhir Sebuah Impian”, published by The Malaysian Insider, offers more than just a historical run down of the Umno’s conflicts and history. It is an unvarnished take on past issues affecting Umno that continue to play a part in the many challenges that the party faces today as it fights for its survival and relevance.
“The rakyat do not hate Umno completely. There has always been in Umno’s history a ‘hate-campaign’ aimed at hating the leader. People have always practised this unhealthy culture,” said the former information minister.
He said that even during Tun Dr Mahathir’s time there was much hatred towards the long-serving prime minister, and he did not escape the wrath of the people.
“But Tun Mahathir is a clever leader, he was always good at channelling his campaigns towards projects that were seen as efforts on his part to improve the nation.
“Even though he may have been hated, there were a lot of good things done during his time.” explained Tok Mat.
Asked why he decided to write a book, Tok Mat said that the main reason was that his son (Datuk Nur Jazlan) pushed him to write a book that would touch on issues other people would not dare talk about.
“I’ve been wanting to write about politics for a long time. The thing that always crossed my mind was would people read what I had to say? My son pleaded with me to write what I had been through so that my experience can be shared with others, and they may learn from the past.”
He stated that the accounts and events in the book were wholly true and not fabricated, and the book was also a chance for him to say his piece, to speak out on things as he felt that he had been frequently misunderstood in the past.
He also added that he supportive of Datuk Seri Najib’s 1 Malaysia concept.
“We have been separated for so long
. With 1 Malaysia, we can come together and think, feel and act as Malaysians. We have to go back to the fundamental basics of our country for the sake of Malaysia and its future,” quipped Tok Mat.
Under the leadership and commandeering of Najib, Tok Mat seems assured that any changes made will be accepted by the people and things will get better.
“I think Umno is heading in the right direction. Take a look at the Bagan Pinang by-election. It is an indication that people are wanting change.”
Umno: Akhir Sebuah Impian is written by Tan Sri Mohamad Rahmat and it is published by The Malaysian Insider. It is available at major bookshops for RM29.90.
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