BARRY WAIN, a former editor of the Asian Wall Street Journal, was Writer-in-Residence at the Institute of Southeast Asian Studies in Singapore. An Australian journalist who lived in Asia fornearly 40years, he was author of The Refused, an account of the refugee outflow from Indochina after the Vietnam War.

'Balanced, comprehensive and nuanced study ... the seminal study of dr. Mahathir.' Prof. Hal Hill, The Wall Street Journal Asia 'Wain's fascinating account is filled with startling revelations and plenty of previously undisclosed material.' David Plott, Global Asia 'Riveting, thought-provoking, if not disquieting ... The most remarkable thing is that it is not fiction.' Dr. Maznah Mohamad, Aliran Monthly 'Balanced and honest ... it reads like a thriller. One just cannot stop reading.' Yusuf Wanandi, The Jakarta Post 'Brings the complexity of the character alive through layers of convincing and meticulous detail.' Rowan Callick, The Australian 'The government eventually released the [1st edition] after five months of scrutiny by the Home Ministry and as such, no legal action was taken by Wain. The book became a best-seller in both Malaysia and Singapore, hitting the No 1 spot in both countries and being reprinted in hard cover nine times within seven months.' - Malaysiakini

• Introduction PART I: THE MAKING OF A MALAY CHAMPION Politicized by War and Peace An Early Introduction to Brutal Politics PART II: PRIME MINISTER FOR LIFE, ALMOST From Outcast to Presidential Premier The Vision of a Modern Nation A Volatile Mix of Business and Politics Scandal, What Scandal? Big, Bigger, Bust An Uncrowned King The Perils of a Pragmatic Islam A Strident Voice for the Third World The Destruction of a Designated Heir PART III: TURMOIL IN RETIREMENT A Bare-Knuckle Brawl over One Man's Legacy A Place in History