Beyond The Veneer
Malaysia's struggle for dignity and direction
by Ioannis Gatsiounis
The 2008 elections in Malaysia saw the ruling coalition, Barisan Nasional, suffer its worst showing since
independence, balancing political power and bringing hope of a more progressive, democratic future. No one expected such a show of support for the untested opposition and a show of dissent against Prime Minister Abdullah Badawi’s entrenched coalition government.
“Beyond the Veneer: Malaysia’s struggle for dignity and direction” is a comprehensive and timely account of how Malaysia reached this pivotal turning point in the nation’s history, and what the future holds for the country, its leaders and its people. In it Kuala Lumpur-based journalist Ioannis Gatsiounis presents a collection of his published articles from a range of publications, including Asia Times, Newsweek, The Washington Times, and Al Jazeera, offering readers a fascinating look at current socio-political events in Malaysia.
This book is essential reading for anyone wishing to understand this promising nation at the crossroads and the key issues that will shape its future.
Pub Date: July 2008 | Price: S$23.50 | Paperback (B format) 272pp
Political Science | ISBN: 978-981-08-0657-6 | Territory: World (all langauges)
Born in New York City, Ioannis Gatsiounis was a journalist for American media until 2000 when he relocated to Southeast Asia. Beginning in Jakarta, he reported on post-Suharto Indonesia for major publications in America. On a visit to neighboring Malaysia, he discovered a land that was underreported and teetering between First and Third Worlds. His unflinching and trenchant commentaries, penned in a climate of fear and intimidation, have secured his reputation as a leading expert on Malaysia. He resides in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.
“Beyond the Veneer is vital reading, an incisive analysis of trends and issues affecting Malaysia's election results.”
–Ramon Navaratnam, President, Transparency International Malaysia
“This book should find pride of place in the shelves of all public libraries.”
–Param Cumaraswamy, former UN Special Rapporteur on the Independence of Judges
“The book is analytical, frank and balanced ... providing a fresh perspective of post-election Malaysia.”
–Khoo Kay Peng, political analyst
“Through his writings, Ioannis has shown that democracy Malaysian style is a peculiar thing and that Malaysia is perhaps not ‘truly Asia’ after all.”
–Malik Imtiaz Sarwar, human rights lawyer and activist
“A critical and uncompromising account by an experienced journalist that allows the reader a peek beneath the facade of Malaysian society and news events, exploring issues and questions that escape the Malaysian mainstream press. This book will be a useful companion for those who seek to understand the goings-on in Malaysia as it steps away from the twenty-two year shadow of Mahathir and moves into the uncharted waters of more open politics following the March 2008 elections.”
–Ibrahim Suffian, Director, Merdeka Center for Opinion Research
