New literary work proclaims Dr M as a superior political craftsman, while Najib is considered more accessible, according to the book's claims

Mahathir Mohamad and Najib Razak, two of Malaysia's most prominent leaders, have left indelible marks on the country's political landscape. Mahathir, who served as Prime Minister for a total of 24 years over two non-consecutive terms, nearly tripled Najib's nine-year tenure.

However, Mahathir's tenure was not without controversy. Some perceive him as overly cunning and politically insincere, driven by an obsessive pursuit of power and control. Notably, former Australian prime minister Paul Keating dismissed Mahathir as a "recalcitrant," a remark Keating later retracted.

Mahathir's legacy is complex. He is credited with pioneering the modernization of Malaysia and challenging Western tropes that belittled Asian and Muslim values. His rebuttals were considered a refreshing political pushback. Yet, he is also criticised for developing a "churlishly quarrelsome irrationality" towards Singapore, which stunted his political image and squandered Malaysia's chances for profitable growth.

One of Mahathir's most notable actions was reneging on a public promise to vacate the prime-ministership for Anwar Ibrahim following the Pakatan Harapan's win in the 14th general election (GE14) in 2018. This decision has contributed to Mahathir's less popular domestic standing compared to Najib.

In contrast, Najib is perceived as approachable, like a brother or a teh tarik friend, while Mahathir is seen as distant. Najib's affable personality allows him to connect well with ordinary Malaysians. His "Bossku" persona is different from Mahathir's image, which is often seen as overbearing.

Najib is said to have had better relationships with foreign leaders, including Barack Obama and Donald Trump, which allegedly resulted in "lasting pro-Malaysian payoffs." Obama is reported to have liked Najib, while Trump was said to be "chummier."

For those interested in delving deeper into the personal reflections of these leaders, the book "Notes To Myself And You" offers insights. This book, released by Emma Myles, is priced at RM60. It is available on Amazon Prime in e-book form, and the printed version is available in Malaysia and Singapore by direct purchase and delivery. Alternatively, readers can contact CK Yap at +6012 7932 366 to purchase the book. Readers can also contact [email protected] or call +6017 3350 855 for more information.

New literary work proclaims Dr M as a superior political craftsman, while Najib is considered more accessible, according to the book's claims