Maybe I regret going into politics. I should have stayed a doctor. When I was practising, I was very popular. People loved me. - Dr Mahathir Mohamad (Asiaweek, Jan 2001)

Everybody seems to be corrupt. In my time, we didn't have anything like this. - Tunku Abdul Rahman (Star, Feb 1987)

People with Aids and Avian influenza should be cast away on an island to ensure they do not infect others. - Perak Mufti Harussani Zakaria (Star, April 2005)

Before another parliamentarian shouts Malaysiakini fitnah! in the august house again, we would like to state that the above quotations were works of fiction.

These quotations are among some 100 gems reproduced by seasoned film maker and newspaper columnist Amir Muhammad, 34, in his maiden compilation of quotations.

Titled Malaysian Politicians Say the Darnest Things , the book will be launched tomorrow in conjunction with Malaysia Day.

Lest we forget...

Speaking to Malaysiakini on his latest project, Amir said the book was his way of documenting history.

"People tend to react in outrage when someone (public figure) says something outrageous, but a few weeks later all would be forgotten," said Amir.

From the obscure department head to headline grabbing politicians, the compilation attempts to cover a lot of ground with its myriad cast of characters.

Readers can even sift through the index and lookup quotes from Parliament 'bad boys' Badruddin Amiruldin and Bung Moktar Radin for immediate comic relief.

Each quote is followed by a brief description and a cartoon - an element which Amir believes is crucial.

"We've been told (by the politicians) that no one reads in Malaysia. So we added cartoons. Now, all politicians, such as (Umno information chief Muhammad) Muhammad Taib, will be able to read the book. They have to buy it from me though. They've had enough freebies," he quipped.

Not in bookshops

Amir said that he had for a long time wanted to embark on such a project, but it only took flight after the infamous 'bloggers are unemployed women' remark by Tourism Minister Tengku Adnan Mansor.

"One of my proof readers was really depressed after he went through the entire draft. But eventually, he realised that these materials need to be recorded and contextualised," said Amir, adding that the quotes were presented in a somewhat chronological order to tell a story.

The book is completely self-financed by Amir - symbolically with his last few pay cheques from New Straits Times - and would not be available in any bookshops to cut cost.

Those interested in getting a copy of the book can contact Amir directly here, or attend the book launch at Central Market Annaxe, Kuala Lumpur, at 3pm tomorrow.

The book is also available through kinibooks website from Monday.