Kuala Lumpur - Much has been written and shared about Malaysia`s four former prime ministers -- Tunku Abdul Rahman Putra Al-Haj, Tun Abdul Razak Hussein, Tun Hussein Onn and Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad.
However, stories about them as normal human beings who have their own likes and dislikes is something people will crave to know.
This is just what the book `Selera Perdana`, which was launched by Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak here today, tries to capture.
The book has a collection of 31 recipes of the favourite dishes the four former prime ministers together with 91 other recipes, all for the noble effort of raising funds for charity.
Najib in his speech said he believed the book would be a big hit among Malaysians.
"All this while the people have seen them as leaders through their polices, their leadership qualities, but this book gives a different perspective, which is their human side," he said.
He said the book would also indirectly contribute to the conservation of traditional kampung dishes like "masak lemak cili padi" or " masak lemak tempoyak cili padi".
According to the synopsis which was made available to the reporters present, the four leaders each had their own favourite dishes.
Tunku Abdul Rahman, who cooked western dishes very well, had a liking for western food, like grilled beef and also liked to eat herbs and "sambal belacan" while Tun Razak preferred traditional Malay dishes.
Tun Hussein`s favourites were traditional Malays dishes and middle-eastern cuisine while Dr Mahathir preferred a meat-based diet.
At a press conference later, Najib said the book also contained information on the history of Malaysia through pictures taken since the country achieved its independence 50 years ago.
"I think this book is valuable for the people to appreciate their leaders," he added.
Meanwhile, the chairman of the book project, Tun Dr Fatimah Hashim, said the book was based on the experiences of its writer, Safiah Mahmood, who had served at the official residence of the four prime ministers .
The book is priced at RM200 a copy and can be obtained at MPH Bookstores in Kuala Lumpur or by order from the Selera Perdana Book Publication secretariat at telephone number 03-6200 3794, facsimilie 03-79601726, or via e-mail to seleraperdana@gmail.com.
Those interested can also call Datin Habibah Yahaya at telephone number 012-3295463 or Fadillah Yakin (012- 2033920).
Profits from the sale of the book will be used to help orphans and single mothers as well as to fund the building of a kitchen at the Rumah Amal Cahaya Tengku Ampuan Rahimah, Subang.
Among those who attended the function were Tun Razak`s widow, Tun Rahah Mohd Noah, Tun Hussein`s widow Tun Suhaila Mohd Noah, Tun Dr Mahathir`s daughter Datin Paduka Marina and a relative of the late Tunku Abdul Rahman, Tunku Muinuddin Putra Tengku Datuk Nerang Putra.
Source: www.bernama.com.my (16 Januari 2008)
