Three recommended books, if you are bothered

Where do I start here.

Well, for starters I adore Governments. For one reason. If they say its banned, or it should not be discussed, then by every diety on earth, it most definitely should be discussed.

Today I will mention three books, and dare I state the view that the victors write the history. Always remember that, and be open minded.

1. I loaned one out to another Orang Putih, he knows who he is. Its about 513 or May Tigabelas, you know that riot that got rid of the Tungku and launched the next Slime Sinister or should I say Prime Minister on his way to power while he was a teenager fondling a bit of tit in some British Public school.....sadly old habits never die allegedly. My view is that it is written by a Malaysian chinese, so I keep my views relatively open on that, but it is about May 13th 1969. There is a semi fascist view amongst all three races that got lumped together in this joint (Malaysia), such as Malays are lazy, Chinese are greedy, and Indians are smelly alcoholics. My view on the other hand is, the fuckers who came in to run the show before Merdeka (incidentally a Sanskrit word), were greedy, lazy, smelly, alcoholic gamblers. How on earth did the British Empire ever work in (ahem) Malaya is beyond me. On top of that, they were womanisers as well, as any trip on any given night to the Beach Club on Jalan P Ramlee will prove.

Seriously though, it is food for thought. This book was almost banned, but Pak Lah allowed it to be openly displayed. In fairness, for all his faults and failings, Pak Lah has allowed a lot more openness than Mahathir.

Go abroad, name a famous Malaysian.

That sexy Bond Girl....whats her name....from Ipoh.

Oh yeah.....Jimmy Choo....the shoemaker from Penang.

Who else....oh him....yes....the one and only Mahathir.

There are others such as P Ramlee, but if you are gonna shove people on the Banknotes, Malaysia had better get moving.

2. The King Never Smiles

This is an intriguing biography of the King of Thailand, Rama IX, Bhumipol Aduladej Mahihol, the current King of Thailand. At 82 years of age, he has practically held Thailand together. This controversial biography goes beyond flattery and shows much of the hidden reality of Thailand, behind the scenes.

While Malaysian sultans are playboys (some, not all), this shows dodgy dealings with politicians that make Malaysias next Prime Minister and his cabinet look like Mother Teresa and Mandela combined. Just remember the slogan from March 8th 2008, be grateful for what you are having, because the bastards elsewhere are a lot worse.

Beyond that on a third subliminal level, it leads one to question who is God, who is divine, and how is divinity created. On a darker note, it leads one to question what we have been told in the context of Christianity, Islam and Judaism.

I am not surprised that possession of this book in Thailand involves a B50,000 fine, 2 1/2 years jail and expulsion. Its that good.....

3. The Malayan Trilogy by Anthony Burgess.

So far, I have only just started this, and I have been engrossed it in for 3 hours. It is not openly available on bookshelves in Malaysia, but after 130 pages of 450, I am of the view that no understanding of Malaysia and the way of life here is known without reading this. RM50 from any bookstore on request. I'll comment when I finish.