Abiding Times 2

This book comprises articles selected mainly from the author’s column, ‘Abiding Times’, in theSun, Malaysia, as well as others. Published between July 2010 and August 2011, they were written in the period after Tunku ’Abidin’s return from the US and covers his role in IDEAS. From calling for the checks and balances so crucial to the effective functioning of a democratic society to be strengthened, to reminding all participants in a democratic society of their rights and responsibilities, the author writes in a language that is easy to read and with a wry sense of humour.


Tunku ’Abidin is a writer, public policy wonk and classical liberal inspired by Ibn Khaldun and John Locke. Educated in Malaysia and the UK, he worked in London-based think tanks as well as the Houses of Parliament before moving to Washington DC to join the World Bank as a Public Sector Consultant. Upon returning to Kuala Lumpur in 2008, Tunku ’Abidin worked at the United Nations Development Programme and the KRA Group. Throughout, he helped to develop the Institute for Democracy and Economic Affairs (IDEAS, formerly known as the Malaysia Think Tank), which he co-founded in 2006. He has maintained his regular column ‘Abiding Times’ in theSun since March 2008, and was a Research Fellow at the Lee Kuan Yew School of Public Policy at the National University of Singapore from March 2009 to August 2010.

 

A member of the Negeri Sembilan Royal Family, Tunku ’Abidin authored the official book for the Installation of the Yang di-Pertuan Besar and also led a major project to revitalise the State Anthem. He sits on several advisory boards for charitable foundations and is an Honorary Major in the Malaysian Territorial Army. In his various roles he has been interviewed for numerous television programmes, magazines and newspaper features.