Peninsula: A Story of Malaysia

by Rehman Rashid

PENINSULA is a personal memoir amounting to a report on the generational changes Malaysia has undergone since Independence, examining their roots in the past and implications for the future, by one who lived through them.

The narrative unravels the many strands of Malaysian history and how they braided themselves into this nation as it is in the 21st century, each contributing to the whole while striving to remain true to itself.

Genres: Nonfiction, History, Politics, Asia, Historical, Memoir

299 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 2016

About the author

Rehman Rashid was born in Taiping, Perak in 1955 and educated at the Malay College Kuala Kangsar and the University College of Swansea, Wales, retiring to the hills of Hulu Selangor in 2010 after a globe-trotting 30-year career in print, broadcast and online media. He has won Journalist of the Year awards in Malaysia (1985) and Bermuda (1991), and written four books: Pangkor: Treasure of the Straits (1990), A Malaysian Journey (1993), Small Town (2016), and Peninsula (2016).

Reviews

[Lyana Khairuddin · Rating 5 out of 5]

I do not think anything I write as a review can do this book justice. Malaysians need to read it. Indubitably better as a historical textbook (with more recent events, too!) than what I had to digest for my SPM History paper. Only the second book to have made my cry in public after Khaled Hosseini's Kite Runner. I think my command of the English language is sub-par compared to the author; my excuse is I was born in 1983 thus was/am impacted by the policies and current environment that deteriorated my proficiency of the language. I was once advised by none other than Sharon Bakar to write more, and that is what I will do. Thank you Mr Rehman Rashid for this book.

Note to publishers: Pg 188 "... secondary jungle(.)" / page 277 "...some of its best, brightest (?) and most aspirational"

[Atiqah Ghazali · Rating 5 out of 5]

A must, MUST read for all Malaysians... In Malaysia or oversea, we are still Malaysians. The chapters, Diaspora and Requiem made me had teary eyes.

"Negaraku... Tanah tumpahnya darahku."

[Johan Radzi · Rating 5 out of 5]

Jarang benar saya mendaulatkan lima bintang ke atas sesebuah buku bukan fiksyen; tetapi buku Rehman Rashid yang ini berhak ke atas keistimewaan tersebut; prosaik, padat, lucu, dan tajam, Peninsula ialah sebuah buku yang harus digolongkan sebagai Malaysiana dan dibaca oleh semua warga tanahair. Bahkan saya tidak ragu-ragu untuk mengatakan bahan-bahan penulisannya lebih memikat berbanding Karim Raslan dan Salleh Ben Joned (yang sebelum ini saya ikuti melalui Ceritalah dan As I Please).

Autobiografi ini menyentuh beberapa hal yang berkait rapat dengan jiwa Malaysiana: sejarahnya, pergolakan politiknya, pertumbuhan korporat, serta imbauan-imbauan nostalgia bagi mereka yang mengenangi Malaysia yang lama - jauh sebelum subuh islamisasi yang mengunjung lewat 70an. Ada beberapa hujah yang diketengahkan beliau membuat saya kurang senang, tetapi itu kita ketepikan dahulu.

Sebagai pencinta bahasa kebangsaan, saya sentiasa tertanya-tanya: kemana perginya memoir-memoir wartawan kita yang berbahasa melayu, dengan membawa idea-idea sarwajagat malaysiana? Saya mengunjungi perpustakaan dan saya mengunjungi toko buku, tetapi hampa. Yang ada cuma sentimen-sentimen perkauman melayu yang sempit dan penuh retorik politik. Saya menemui ini dalam Salleh ben Joned, Karim Raslan, dan kini Rehman Rashid; tetapi mereka penulis berbahasa inggeris yang pernah bergulat dengan tradisi keinggerisan, lalu weltanschauung mereka juga berjejak dengan perspektif-perspektif tersebut. Lalu sekarang, apa yang kita perlukan, ialah penulis melayu yang pandang alamnya luas dan terbuka; merasai kegusaran-kegusaran masyarakat malaysia secara seluruhnya - tanpa mengira agama, kaum, dan ideologi - dan menumpahkannya sebagai kata-kata ke dalam memoir.

Dan selagi ini tidak tercapai, tradisi bahasa kebangsaan kita akan sentiasa hanya untuk orang melayu; lalu hilang istimewa 'kebangsaan'nya itu.

[Maisie Han · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thanks to a long uninterrupted train ride, I finally had the pleasure of completing "Peninsular" by Rehman Rashid, a definite page-turner that I could not put down until I had flipped the final page.

I found the text to be somewhat like a cross between a memoir and a history lesson. In one chapter he spoke about the Malay sultanates and that certainly brought back memories when I was deseparately trying to memorize Sejarah dates and famous figures. He also made me laugh and cry all within the span of an hour. I had to stifle a tear or two when he spoke about being torn between his country and his wife and laughed aloud when he called my state's CM a taugeh in his earlier years. His use of language was beautiful albeit a bit too bombastic as he made me look words up several times. But nevertheless, I would highly recommend this book since Merdeka is around the corner as it serves as a poignant reminder of what it's like to be a Malaysian for better or for worse.

[Jiwa Rasa · Rating 4 out of 5]

Rehman Rashid memang seorang penulis dan tukang cerita yang baik. Memoir hidupnya diceritakan bersama sejarah tanahair. Terasa sangat menarik dibaca.

[Spencer · Rating 5 out of 5]

I liked it. Gives an insight to a particular generational perspective of this lovely country.

[Max Loh · Rating 4 out of 5]

I pick up this book during a holiday in Penang because it came highly recommended by my friend, and I don't regret reading it. This book was so eloquently written and there were many paragraphs where I had to stop after reading them just to go 'oh snap!' because of Rehman Rashid's wit. I was sad to discover that he passed away last year, and I look forward to reading his other books.

[Jasmin Mohd-zain · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a beautiful way to narrate the story of our lives in the Peninsular Msia. It is also a quaint way to get to know some parts of Rehman's life.

"The command of the english language is strong with this one ...." said Yoda of Rehman. Or that is what i think Yoda would say about him. It is lyrical the way he writes, punctuated with some very big words that I had to look up in a dictionary (quite an experience for me who is 55 y.o to look up the Dict ! :D...... .I wish he had a lot more experience with Sabah & Sarawak to share with us.

If you are Malaysian you ought to read this book and enjoy the stories of a kaleidoscope of people (anyone knows who is Dr Mahathir?) who inhabit this Peninsula we call home. And when you reach the Requiem, your heart must be made of stone if your eyes didn't mist over when he writes about the love of his life...

I had to delay finishing slowly reading this book - because i know Rehman will never again write.
Alfatihah to one of the shining stars amongst the sons of Malaysia.

[Becky · Rating 4 out of 5]

A combination of a political commentary of Malaysia with a memoir of Rashid's life as a writer. He talks about Malaysia post-independence while also weaving in his own reckoning with what being Malaysian means to him and to his countrymen. Unlike "A Malaysian Journey" (his much earlier history/memoir), this one is more difficult to follow if you don't know much about Malaysia itself (he jumps around A LOT). By the end (of what felt like a series of short essays), Rashid pulled these seemingly random wanderings together with a poignant reflection of what it means for Malaysia to be his home.

[Cheryl Chong · Rating 5 out of 5]

An expansive book on some very ambitious and big topics. More muted than “Malaysian Story” by the same author, perhaps due to his own life shifts and changes in perspective. This is a must-read for those interested in Malaysian history.

Eloquently written, but I could have done without some of the bombastic words. His style can be flowery.

[Cassandra Chung · Rating 4 out of 5]

If you're looking for a Farish Noor kind of commentary on our beloved Malaysia (which was what I was expecting), then you will be sourly disappointed. Farish Noor offers historical and political commentary of Malaysia often referencing historical and literary sources. Rashid, on the other hand, writes about Malaysia from his personal experiences, accumulated during his successful career as a journalist inside and outside Malaysia and through the relationships and interactions made with other Malaysians during his lifetime.

One would be tempted to think that it's easy to acquire commentary on Malaysia online what with plenty of Malaysians taking their grievances to the web. However, I think Rashid is worth paying a little more attention to mainly because he was born in a time before NEP but thrust into the first batch of overseas NEP students, simultaneously witnessed the Islamization and rapid development of Malaysia, lived through three Prime Ministers and shared close business relationships with many important people. As such, it's no surprise that Rashid covers a vast variety of topics in his book: from the emigration of Malaysians to interracial marriage to the advent of alternative media in Malaysia.

I personally enjoyed how personal Rashid would get in some of his narratives. The only issue I had with "Peninsula" was that I found Rashid's narrative style rather jarring but perhaps, that's just me.

[Nicholas · Rating 3 out of 5]

Haven't read A Malaysian Journey yet but there is a feeling that Peninsula is in many ways a more sombre and pensive take of all things Malaysia, if not just the Peninsula. This part memoir part analysis by the late Rehman Rashid seems to be shrouded by a sense of morbidity that preceded the author's untimely passing, with each chapter loaded with an urgency for closure that there appears to be an enforced neatness that tapers Malaysia's richness, even if that was not the intention of the author. After all, Rehman's in it for cacophony, although one may be forgiven for also sensing his fatigue of it. This is a book by a patriot questioning the point of being one, not least haunted by a sense of destiny and failure that could only be borne by a patriot. While it may appear thin for a book claiming to be a story of Malaysia, it is thick with Rehman's blood and brood. It is his final claim of Malaysia; a 'larger than life' claim, no less, in all his commandeering grace, as expected of the Rehman everybody knew.

[Rashaad · Rating 4 out of 5]

The kind of book that makes you want to move to Kuala Kubu Bharu to either escape the degradation of the core (without having to physically remove oneself from the country, we have 'migration' for that), or live with the hope that maybe, from out in the fringes will we be able affect change in the epicentre.

Either way, KKB is a great place, just as Peninsula is a great book. Both are worth the trip.

[Ave M. · Rating 5 out of 5]

Rehman Rashid's A Story of Malaysia is a personal and poignant exploration of the nation's journey, interwoven with the author's own experiences. This unique blend offers a captivating and thought-provoking read for anyone interested in Malaysia's past and present. Rashid's personal anecdotes breathe life into historical events. We see Malaysia's evolution through the eyes of a local, gaining a deeper understanding of the social and cultural fabric.

Rashid's writing is a delight. He weaves together historical details with wit and insightful commentary, keeping the reader engaged throughout. The book avoids simplistic narratives. Rashid acknowledges the complexities of Malaysia's history, including the struggles and triumphs of its diverse population.

The book doesn't strictly follow a chronological flow. Rashid jumps between personal anecdotes and historical events, which might require some effort from the reader to connect the dots. Given the book's personal nature, it might not provide an exhaustive account of Malaysian history. Readers seeking a more comprehensive historical overview might need to consult additional sources.

Despite these points, A Story of Malaysia leaves a lasting impression. It's a book that sparks curiosity and encourages a deeper exploration of the nation's rich tapestry. Whether you're a Malaysian looking for a fresh perspective on your homeland or someone with a general interest in Southeast Asian history, this book offers valuable insights and a captivating read.

[Ditesh Gathani · Rating 5 out of 5]

Peninsula is Rehman's long awaited follow up novel after A Malaysian Journey. Unlike A Malaysian Journey's optimism, Peninsula is a far more somber read and is a little more resigned to the state of affairs of the country.

The book, as is with all Rehman's writings, is a delight to read. Rehman's known mastery of the language is on display as he uses words with a flourish in Peninsula; every other chapter had me reaching for a dictionary. The chapters zig and zag between Rehman's life, Malaysia's historical arc, its past and present political idiosyncrasies, and the modern day malaise that has overtaken the country.

The book may be taken to be a treatise on the nation from the eyes of a veteran journalist, but it reads much better as a the memoir of a Malaysian who, on the eve of his twilight years, does not see his hopes and aspirations for his country and himself blossom to fullness.

As his final work, Rehman's parting gift to Malaysia may well be a reminder that the country can hardly afford to rest on its laurels, and needs to work hard at pulling together the communal fabric of the nation, if it expects to do justice to the hopes and aspirations of its founders.

[Kārlis · Rating 3 out of 5]

It's hard to rate this book fairly as I know that I am definitely not the target audience - Peninsula is meant for people who have lived in (or close to) the peninsula and know a lot about Malay slang, politics, history, and social status. Even though I've learnt a bit before reading this, it did not help me at all in this barrage of political intrigue and name drops, always all the rich people went to the same school as him.
The book is also too focused on the details of political clashes and successions and delves too little into what it's supposed to be about - the generations of Malaysia. When Rashid goes into those parts, it's un-put-down-able, but it happens rarely, mostly it's very dry political history and business insights.

[Yong Feng · Rating 3 out of 5]

Even though Malaysia is Singapore's closest neighbour, I don't remember learning much about Malaysian history in school, so this was a welcome read. This is not a comprehensive history, but is one that is filtered through Rashid's experience as a journalist writing about the country from both within it and abroad. Amidst anecdotes of friends, lovers and politicians, the book tries to untangle and explain the many threads that shape today's Malaysia: colonialism, the bumiputra policy, variants of Islam, corruption, language, and what it means to be Malaysian.

[Andrew Tattersall · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very well written with an interesting vocabulary, some of which have not been much used since the fifties, I'd wager! So, interesting about the history of Malaysia, mixed with the personal memoir. All made more interesting being read whilst in Penang. It does make me wonder about the future of the country, but then it is a young country and has time to make its future. If you want to know how Malaysia got to where it is now and have ideas about the future, read this.

[Kavee Yong · Rating 5 out of 5]

I would give this book six stars if I could. This is a book that makes a grown up cry. It's a history book and a memoir. Rehman was a man who had the blood of many communities. He belonged to many worlds. He thought deeply what it means to be Malaysian. And he had such a way with words. It's painful to think that he will write no more.

[ahmad zaid · Rating 4 out of 5]

took this up at a nice library by a Cabin in The Woods, Sepang, Selangor, Malaysia (look it up, recommended) on the first travel out of SG since the pandemic started.

will write something soon but this book made me feel feelings.

[Flexnib · Rating 4 out of 5]

Buku yang patut dibaca oleh setiap warga Malaysia.

[YJ · Rating 3 out of 5]

Pretty good commentary, this book definitely inspired me to learn more about Malaysia and be more politically aware.

I wasnt a fan of the long-winded prose and unneccessarily complex sentences.

[Nazhan Hanif · Rating 5 out of 5]

It feels fitting that the first book to earn my five stars (whatever little that may be worth) was written by a Malaysian author. Rehman Rashid’s deeply personal memoir offers a descriptive, engaging, and poignant bird’s-eye view of the mazelike turns and at times violent tempests that have shaped Peninsular Malaysia into what it is today.

It isn’t merely Rehman’s command of language or his cerebral grasp of history that makes this book such a remarkable read. What struck me most was his attunement to the deep humanistic and emotional conflicts within each of the peninsula’s communities. Our tensions and our guardedness toward one another go far beyond the posturing vitriol spewed by both sides of the Malaysian polity. They cut much deeper, and this book gives those elements a raw, vivid presence, alongside Rehman’s own personal struggle with them.

Some chapters left me unsettled, others melancholic, others still sentimental. But each one made me think: about our individual positions on this peninsula, and how we might use that position to mould a better place for everyone who calls it home, as astronomically aspirational as that sounds

RIP, Rehman. It isn’t at all hyperbolic to say that this book has left an indelible mark on my life.

[Thavakumar Kandiahpillai · Rating 4 out of 5]

As always, Rehman writes from the heart, in concise, witty prose. Although reading A Malaysian Journey before reading this book will make it more rewarding, it is quite readable as an introduction to his works. This seems to be more personal than A Malaysian Journey, and to appreciate all it's nuances, it would be useful to know a bit about Malaysian geopolitics.

[Chen Ann Siew · Rating 4 out of 5]

Almost as good as his earlier book, A Malaysian Journey.

[Theroadlesstraveled · Rating 5 out of 5]

Bombastic words yet succinctly conveying the author intricate feelings and emotions. Rehman was a wordsmith.

[Sharmdas · Rating 5 out of 5]

This may not be an objective rating, but it reflects the emotional reaction I had while reading the book, due in no small part to being Malaysian. A short journey through Malaysia’s past to present, examining politics and nation-building across generations, against the perennial backdrop of the rich diversity that makes up Malaysians. Here we are now continuing to grow “as delicately as possible around the wound that would not close”, to borrow from Rehman Rashid. Perhaps it is difficult because the wound appears differently to different people, making treatment, let alone, a cure, forever problematic.

There is a nice migration theme that runs throughout the book, from pre-independence migrants to the current relatively large Malaysian diaspora, who look outward for a better future; to the immigrant workers and refugees who, in turn, seek salvation in Malaysia. It is an interesting Malaysian microcosm against the wider global focus on migration.

Also, refreshingly, Rehman briefly tackles the onslaught of social media and the internet. No doubt a means of democratization of information, there is also so much more room for disinformation. And so nothing at all seems ever to be done right, even if this is not truly the case, rendering us even more morose as feelings often trump facts.

“…how perfect Malaysia would be, if it could be a little less like Malaysia...”

[AVANTI KUMAR · Rating 4 out of 5]

Though it lacks the engaging structure of the late Rehman Rashid’s A Malaysian Journey, this book holds particular fascination for me as a long term resident of a beautiful country.

Strongly recommended for those interested in finding out more about Malaysia.

[Justine · Rating 5 out of 5]

A delightful and engaging book, something that I would pick up again and again to remind myself of certain aspects of Malaysian life, society and past events.

[Mazni Ibrahim · Rating 2 out of 5]

I enjoyed the last two chapters. A good writer.
For those who have never paid much attention to whats going on in the country could probably read this.