Book Review 'Mahathir on Science and Technology: A Commemorative Volume in Conjunction with the Conferment of the Honorary Degree of Doctor of Science (Second Edition)'
Uqbah Iqbal*
Researcher, History Programme, Faculty of Social Sciences and Humanities, Malaysia
Submission: September 20, 2017; Published: September 21, 2017
*Corresponding author: Uqbah Iqbal, Researcher, History Programme, Faculty of Social Sciences and Humanities, Malaysia, Tel: 60196916990,Email: uqbah@siswa.ukm.edu.my
How to cite this article: Uqbah I. Book Review ‘Mahathir on Science and Technology: A Commemorative Volume in Conjunction with the Conferment of the Honorary Degree of Doctor of Science (Second Edition)’. Int J Environ Sci Nat Res. 2017;5(2): 555657. DOI: 10.19080/IJESNR.2017.05.555657
Mini Review
Compiled by University Sains Malaysia, Mahathir on Science and Technology: A Commemorative Volume in Conjunction with the Conferment of the Honorary Degree of Doctor of Science states that in the academy world, there is no better way to recognize the heritage than to publish it for public records. This leads to the publication of this book, which puts a public record of a statesman's legacy and its passion for science and technology. His perspective on science and technology is clinical and merciful because he is trained as a medical doctor. According to him, science and technology must give public interest a way for society and the world to be better. This is clearly stated in one of the challenges outlined in his idea of Vision 2020.
The publication of this book is a reminder in conjunction with the 33rd Convocation Ceremony of Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM), and the 35th anniversary of the setting up of USM. It also marks and celebrates the award of the Honorary Doctor of Science to Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad who has given significant benefits to the University. USM thanked Tun for allowing them to publish his speeches in this publication. For this purpose, USM has selected twenty-one seminal addresses related to science and technology by the former Prime Minister of Malaysia, including his acceptance speech during the convocation, as well as his earlier writing in the 1960s. It aims to show not only his interest in broad science and technology topics, but also his command and efficiency in complex disciplines. It can be seen clearly from critical comments and innovative suggestions that exist in all of his addresses and writings. In fact, USM itself is inspired by the leadership of his thinking.
Although there are many compilations and books written about Tun Dr Mahathir in relation to politics and economics, unfortunately it rarely happens in terms of science and technology. In addition to fulfilling the USM academic obligation, USM also hopes that this arrangement will assist in solving problems in the same manner as honoring Tun. However, this is a simple and simple effort for a statesman standing upright like Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad, Father of Malaysia Modern Development; a strong development in science and technology.