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Unapologetic
Unapologetic is Boo Su-Lyn’s bold vision for how Malaysians can build a nation of equals so that we will be empowered to lead happier lives and free to fulfill our own dreams with nothing holding us back. While young Malaysia continues to search for her identity, Boo sets out some ideas on how we can make the land prosperous, not by avoiding uncomfortable truths, but by confronting them together and giving up all of our selfish privileges for the good of the nation.
Unapologetic pushes the case for individual empowerment, secularism, and civil liberties, based on Boo’s belief that human nature is good and we have the ability to make life decisions based on our own personal values and to achieve our ambitions without excessive government involvement. All we need is hard work and equal opportunities.
As a journalist and columnist, Boo also shares her dreams on a new kind of politics that nurtures democracy, where political parties dare to make a stand on tough issues and where citizens constantly hold their elected representatives accountable on matters important to them.
Unapologetic outlines Boo’s plans if she were Prime Minister and contains several new essays, besides her columns at Malay Mail on various issues from sex and marriage to race, religion and democracy. Full of optimism, Unapologetic inspires a spark of hope for a radically new and brilliant future.
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Boo Su-Lyn is an assistant news editor and columnist with Malay Mail and a co-founder of BEBAS, a movement of young people that advocates for equality, secularism, and an end to discrimination. She hosts a progressive online talk show in Malaysia called Boo’s Morning Brew discussing Malaysian politics, race, religion, human rights, and democracy. Boo has libertarian principles and believes in minimal government involvement in the economy and in social issues.
Unapologetic pushes the case for individual empowerment, secularism, and civil liberties, based on Boo’s belief that human nature is good and we have the ability to make life decisions based on our own personal values and to achieve our ambitions without excessive government involvement. All we need is hard work and equal opportunities.
As a journalist and columnist, Boo also shares her dreams on a new kind of politics that nurtures democracy, where political parties dare to make a stand on tough issues and where citizens constantly hold their elected representatives accountable on matters important to them.
Unapologetic outlines Boo’s plans if she were Prime Minister and contains several new essays, besides her columns at Malay Mail on various issues from sex and marriage to race, religion and democracy. Full of optimism, Unapologetic inspires a spark of hope for a radically new and brilliant future.
—
Boo Su-Lyn is an assistant news editor and columnist with Malay Mail and a co-founder of BEBAS, a movement of young people that advocates for equality, secularism, and an end to discrimination. She hosts a progressive online talk show in Malaysia called Boo’s Morning Brew discussing Malaysian politics, race, religion, human rights, and democracy. Boo has libertarian principles and believes in minimal government involvement in the economy and in social issues.
313 pages, Paperback
Published January 1, 2018
6 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 4 of 4 reviews
October 26, 2024
Author clearly explains the importance terminology such as feminism, liberalism, libertarian, capitalism, secularism, democracy and etc. As the majority of Malaysian (Male-Malay-Muslim), we might be feeling uncomfortable for those terms which challenge our status quo. The author uphold equality of Malaysian and condemn the Article 153 of the constitution, which state the special place for the sons of the soil i.e Bumiputera/Ketuanan Melayu. It might sound so extreme, racist and radical but in my opinion it makes sense for some degree. Maybe we think we are special with our silver spoon that we don't realize others are winning just simple by working hards. Author also highlighted the importance of safe sex education rather than pro-abstinence practise for sex. Other topics such as economy, politics and religions were discussed well in one of those columns and essays of the book.
One of the things I disagree with the author is the implementation of total democracy. As democracy is good for people ideally, it has its disadvantages. Since Malaysia is a parliamentary democracy under the Constitutional Monarchy, pure democracy is hard to be implemented. One of the disadvantages of pure democracy is the majority of the ignorance. If in a demographic population only has minority that are wiser, obviously the majority of ignorance still wins the vote. In addition, democracy will delay in decision since all voices are matters. Lastly, democracy is prone to instability in politics where the leaders will keep on changing. In my humble opinion, what Malaysia needs are a strong Leader that has some authoritarian power to some extent (not to be confused with authoritarian government like China, North Korea). The leader should be like those strongmen such as Putin, Xi, Erdogan, etc. in term of economy, safety, and international affairs.
Another thing that I disagree is the statement where we can't control people from having sex. In my pov, it is good that we educate people with safe sex education but at the same time practise abstinence. In term of moral, I don't think a society with a sex-free culture is a value that we should cling onto. Although sex should be consensual for the practitioners, still it should be controlled. Alcohol and sex are 2 things that should be controlled from free-flow. Although liberals demand freedom, we should be clear whether we want to be free from something or free towards something?
One of the things I disagree with the author is the implementation of total democracy. As democracy is good for people ideally, it has its disadvantages. Since Malaysia is a parliamentary democracy under the Constitutional Monarchy, pure democracy is hard to be implemented. One of the disadvantages of pure democracy is the majority of the ignorance. If in a demographic population only has minority that are wiser, obviously the majority of ignorance still wins the vote. In addition, democracy will delay in decision since all voices are matters. Lastly, democracy is prone to instability in politics where the leaders will keep on changing. In my humble opinion, what Malaysia needs are a strong Leader that has some authoritarian power to some extent (not to be confused with authoritarian government like China, North Korea). The leader should be like those strongmen such as Putin, Xi, Erdogan, etc. in term of economy, safety, and international affairs.
Another thing that I disagree is the statement where we can't control people from having sex. In my pov, it is good that we educate people with safe sex education but at the same time practise abstinence. In term of moral, I don't think a society with a sex-free culture is a value that we should cling onto. Although sex should be consensual for the practitioners, still it should be controlled. Alcohol and sex are 2 things that should be controlled from free-flow. Although liberals demand freedom, we should be clear whether we want to be free from something or free towards something?
July 12, 2020
'Unapologetic' By Boo Su Lyn tell malaysians what they dont want to hear in this book. The topics are ranging from freedom of religion, sedition act, discrimination, sexual harassment and so on. The book is divided into 2 parts : Columns and Essays as the author is editor and columnist for Malay Mail. Like her book title, she is indeed unapologetic. She did not hold back what she thought of. There are some of her views that i disagree especially on Capital Punishment but for Majority parts, my views are align with pretty much what she wrote in this book. For example, i do believe that there should be a total separation of state and religion and the country governance should be based on secularism. Unfortunately, not many try to understand why i believe so and straight away condemning me as 'liberal' or 'non believer' . Our constitution may makes our country a secular country but lately a lot of has happened that crossed the line. Another example is on the matter of consent. Regardless of how one's dress, it does not permit you to rape/sexually assault/sexually harassed/touch people without consent. I believe this is common sense. Woman and Man can walk naked and it still did not give you permit to touch them if they did not say yes or agree to let you touch them. Apparently, my view on this is too controversial and some men/women use religion so that i will change my mind. I already said what i wanted to say on consent, i will never change it. You don't go to people house if they dont allow it, then why can't you apply it on consent too. Overall, this is an impactful reading.
August 23, 2020
It’s actually more of a 3.5 for me.
I have to say I enjoyed the honesty in the book. Often times, due to whatever reasons, be they legislation or culture or whatever, we don’t say what we mean. And I think the author did say what she really meant. I didn’t agree with everything she wrote but I certainly respect that she did. I think it was interesting to read about Malaysia and how it operates and what could be done.
I didn’t like how the book was structured. I think a bit more of a personal note and an intro would have started it off better. Additionally, some of the stories or ideas behind them were repetitive. And I think a good editor could have restructured that a little better.
Overall, I respect the honesty of it and it was an interesting read.
I have to say I enjoyed the honesty in the book. Often times, due to whatever reasons, be they legislation or culture or whatever, we don’t say what we mean. And I think the author did say what she really meant. I didn’t agree with everything she wrote but I certainly respect that she did. I think it was interesting to read about Malaysia and how it operates and what could be done.
I didn’t like how the book was structured. I think a bit more of a personal note and an intro would have started it off better. Additionally, some of the stories or ideas behind them were repetitive. And I think a good editor could have restructured that a little better.
Overall, I respect the honesty of it and it was an interesting read.
August 11, 2018
A collection of thoughts by the author across different topics. I really enjoyed her opinions and how well she was able to portray them.
Displaying 1 - 4 of 4 reviews