PETALING JAYA: Prime Minister Dr Mahathir Mohamad today launched the Japanese translation of the book “Apa Habaq Orang Muda?” in Kyoto.
The book was jointly published by the Malaysian Institute of Translation & Books (ITBM), DuBook Press and the Japan–Malaysia Association (JMA).
Mahathir is on a three-day working visit to Japan.
The book, jointly authored by Chedet (Mahathir’s pen name) and Mat Rodi (whose real name is Radzi Tajuddin), was first published in Malay in 2016.
It is a collection of satirical, spirited and interesting quotes from a collection of past speeches, interviews and writings by the prime minister.
The book contains the veteran leader’s advice, lessons and reminders on democracy, unity, education, culture and the value system that ought to be followed by youths, who are in line to take over the country’s leadership.
Mat Rodi has also contributed comments and views of the youth on Mahathir’s line of thinking in this book.
The publication aims to give the people of Japan, particularly the younger generation, the opportunity to delve deeper into the thoughts of Mahathir, who is highly revered and respected in the country.
The book will be marketed extensively in Kinokuniya’s chain of 70 bookshops throughout Japan by the end of this month.
ITBM is also focusing on translation of books on Japanese values and their work culture, as recommended by Mahathir, who holds Japanese society in high regard.
The book launch was also attended by Malaysian ambassador to Japan Kennedy Jawan, Mat Rodi (the co-author of the book), ITBM general manager and acting managing director Sakri Abdullah, Umeda Main Store (Kinokuniya Co Ltd) director and general manager Masaya Yumoto, and JMA executive director Takuji Arai.