BN’s attempt to ‘steal’ the 14th general election by playing the race card, the subsequent lies and denials, and whether Anwar Ibrahim is in a hurry to be prime minister are among the key issues explored in this first book on GE14.

Veteran journalist M Krishnamoorthy’s May 9: People Power Saves Malaysia – Mahathir Leads the Way is a fascinating read, and this amazing story is told through the eyes of a young boy, Ahmad.

Ahmad is an unfortunate victim of a sick and corrupt system on the brink of economic collapse. In the face of rising costs and unemployment, he yearned for change.

By sharing glimpses from the innocent lenses of Ahmad, the author paints a stark contrast of childlike simplicity with the world of grown-ups that is consumed by greed and glittering gems. It captures the journey of a nation that has witnessed the most dramatic trajectories of greed and power.

The book starts with Dr Mahathir Mohamad’s 2015 prediction that Umno and BN would be defeated. As the journey unfolds through the pages, Malaysians will blush at the shameful erosion of a political system, as well as rejoice at the departure of leaders entrenched in corrupt practices.

This book is a heart-warming narrative of Malaysians coming together as one and with a singular voice, ignited the historic change in our political landscape.

Through a compelling compilation of observations from journalists, commentators and political activists, Krishnamoorthy sheds penetrating insights into the events leading to the iconic moment when the country’s once longest-ruling prime minister, Mahathir, who saw it as a call of duty to restore the nation’s glory, claimed victory.

At age 93, he saved the country from the pits of kleptocracy.

May 9: People Power Saves Malaysia is also a story of hurt and healing, abuse and forgiveness, gloom and glory, and tears and triumph. Indeed, it celebrates the courage, hope and dignity of Malaysians to create a brave, new Malaysia.

In the book, Krishnamoorthy (above) portrays Mahathir as playing a key role in the May 9 triumph. Through 36 anecdotal short chapters of news, commentaries and insights, Krishnamoorthy shows how the Malaysian psyche changed nationwide. He researched and wrote the book in about a month in the wake of the May 9 election.

Why did he write this book?

“It is better to put my thoughts in writing. Journalists are known for writing the first draft of history. Not me alone, but many others too have a chance to express their thoughts in this book. News, views, comments and statements by leaders are often forgotten. I am documenting them as events unfold for the record,” said Krishnamoorthy.

Dr M’s last battle

At the outset, befitting the book title, he states: “People power defeated an unfair, unjust and authoritarian government. Everything that happened was the reflection of our thoughts and can be changed by our thinking process. I tried my best to chronicle this book as a story from darkness to light in Dr Mahathir’s last battle to rule Malaysia.”

Former Bar Council chairperson and Bersih leader Ambiga Sreenevasan states in the foreword:

“Power corrupts and absolute power corrupts absolutely. Fortunately, Malaysians have voted out a kleptocratic government.

"Before GE14, Malaysia faced a bleak prospect of the collapse of the rule of law, the creation of an absolute dictator and the establishing of kleptocracy as a norm. The leaders then infringed the law and continued to hold the reins of power, consolidating their positions.”

Among the many inspirational icons, Krishnamoorthy describes Mahathir as one whose footprints have left indelible marks on his life. “Tun’s is a philosophy of transparency, integrity and justice; there is no room for pretentious talk or egoistic warfare. For him, it is about living and doing what is right and just for the masses.

“Braced for the battle, he led the country to a new dawn in the recent elections. He is the true doctor for the whole nation, whose incisive diagnosis of the nation would save Malaysia with a more optimistic prognosis of recovering the national debt and billions of ringgit lost through 1MDB, Malaysia’s sovereign wealth fund.

“As a journalist, university lecturer and media coach, I was inspired and encouraged in my ‘aha’ or ‘wow’ moments while attending Dr Mahathir’s events and press conferences.”

Krishnamoorthy also credits Anwar: “We must not lose sight of the fact that the formidable opposition was started by Anwar Ibrahim with the ‘reformasi’ movement back in 1998.”

May 9: People Power Saves Malaysia concludes: “Ahmad looked out of the window, and the sky was unusually clear, so much clearer than before. Almost instantly, he felt light and breezy like the lovebirds serenading to each other. The grass looked greener and fresher after the rain, and somewhere in the far distance, a rainbow splashed colours on the clear, blue sky.

“Surely, tomorrow will come, and it will be better than today.”

The book, distributed by MPH, is priced at RM29.90 and now available in all major bookstores.