This book highlights the political career of Dr. Mahathir Mohamad during his decade as Prime Minister of Malaysia, revealing the ups and downs he experienced as the country's leader. Hassan Hj. Hamzah describes Mahathir as a controversial figure: some see him as a dictator, but many also respect him as a hero of modernization. In this narrative, Hamzah examines the various political challenges,…
Al-Siyar wa al-Jawabāt li ʿUlamāʾ wa Aʾimmat ʿUmān is a landmark compilation of correspondence, fatwas, religious responses, and legal guidance issued by Omani scholars and imams throughout various historical periods. It documents Ibadi fiqh thought, socio-religious views, and legal rulings that served as primary references in shaping Omani religious identity and traditional legal system…
A comprehensive and scholarly examination of the pivotal events of 1868 in Japan, when Imperial power was restored. He argues that the Restoration was not primarily driven by economic distress or class conflict, but by a rising sense of national danger and pride as Japan encountered Western powers. Nationalism motivated the overthrow of the Tokugawa shogunate and the re-unification of Japan und…
This concise and informed introduction to the way the Malaysian and Singapore governments work is based on the author’s unusual combination of academic training and professional field experience. Stanley Bedlington goes beyond a mere description of government institutions and political parties. He moves easily across various disciplines, including history, anthropology, sociology, and politic…
This book analyzes the Malaysian political crisis between 1968 and 1970, particularly the riots of May 13, 1969. It highlights the communal tensions between Malays, Chinese, and Indians, as well as the impact of the 1969 elections on national stability. It also discusses the government's response, including the formation of the National Movement Council, and how the political elite maintained c…
Juhainat al-Akhbar fi Tarikh Zanzibar is a seminal historical work that traces the long history of Zanzibar, particularly its close relationship with the Sultanate of Oman. Sheikh Said Ali bin Ali Al-Aghbari presents a rich historical account, covering the origins of Zanzibari's people, its social and political developments, and Oman's crucial role in shaping the region's cultural identity and …
In this book, Jerome R. Bass investigates the political crisis in Malaysia between 1968 and 1970, a period marked by ethnic strife, communal tensions, and the collapse of traditional support for the ruling coalition. Bass examines the dynamics of the 1969 general election, the May 13 riots, and the institutional responses taken by Malaysia's political elite that subsequently reshaped the nation…
History, with its turbulent events and diverse characters, is one of the most fascinating stories, and history books are among the best narratives. The History of Oman is no exception; the author attempts to recount the events one by one, with concise commentary, in such a way that you can feel them unfold as you turn the pages. This book covers the rich history of the Arab nation of the Indian…
The Japanese Mind: The Goliath Explained by Robert C. Christopher offers a concise analysis of the cultural values and social behaviors that shape Japanese thinking. The book explains how tradition, group orientation, discipline, and implicit communication influence Japan’s society, education, and work culture. Christopher highlights the contrast between modern industrial success and enduring…
This book offers a comparative political analysis of North and South Korea from the end of Japanese colonial rule in 1945 up to 1972, focusing on how two antagonistic regimes—backed by the Soviet Union and the United States sought to consolidate power and direct national development. Kim argues that political leadership, institutional design, and externally driven pressures shaped divergent t…