'Encyclopedia Mahathir' launched

'Encyclopedia Mahathir' launched

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

Available in Arabic and English, the encyclopedia is a compilation of the veteran leader's speeches and ideas on globalization, 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.

The encyclopedia, priced between 1,300 ringgit (US$342) and 2,200 ringgit 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. -- AFP