A 10-volume encyclopedia of Prime Minister Dr Mahathir Mohamad's ideas has been launched ahead of his retirement next month, local media reported today.

Available in Arabic and English, the encyclopedia is a compilation of the veteran leader's speeches and ideas on globalisation, politics and other issues, the official Bernama news agency said.

"Some people say Mahathir is the greatest Malay leader that we have seen in the history of our nation," Deputy Prime Minister Abdullah Ahmad Badawi said at the launch of the encyclopedia.

"His legacy will be seen in his ever-flowing cornucopia of ideas, thoughts and opinions on a wide range of issues and topic," he was quoted as saying.

"Laymen and intellectuals will find pearls of wisdom in his ideas and thoughts. Malaysians and Muslims will benefit enormously from reading and re-reading his speeches," Abdullah said.

University course

The encyclopedia, priced between RM1,300 and RM2,200 per copy will be available worldwide after its official launch at Oxford University, England on Tuesday, Bernama said, adding that over 30,000 sets have already been sold.

Last week, a major university here ordered 100,000 students at its 14 campuses to take a compulsory course on Mahathir's thoughts, using a 14-volume collection of his speeches, writings and interviews.

Mahathir is due to retire next month after 22 years in power.

He is renowned for his outspoken and often controversial opinions on everything from minor domestic issues to global politics, the need for technological development and the true meaning of Islam. - AFP