BOOK REVIEW | No compromise on meritocracy

BOOK REVIEW | Unlike the usual autobiographies of leaders and captains of industry, this one is more than a mere one man’s survival in a government agency where danger lurked in every corner - from inept colleagues to ambitious politicians.

To steer away from the inherent dangers, some people perfect a system of deflecting issues and running away from them into fine art. But not M Rajasingam – he took them head-on. Without mincing his words, he notes: “I survived navigating turbulent times with an unblemished clean record... in a corrupt country like Malaysia.”

His journey to Port Swettenham Authority - now Port Klang Authority (PKA) - began when he received his letter of appointment to report for duty on July 1, 1965 as assistant traffic superintendent.

In "Navigating Turbulent Times", Rajasingam narrates his 33-year experience with the PKA with no-holds-barred views for readers. Readers are left to judge for themselves how he managed those challenges and came out unscathed with his head held high.

He writes passionately about his father, who himself had a distinguished service record with the Customs Department. He would adhere steadfastly to his father's advice: “Please remember: Always walk with your head held high.” It is obvious that he is a chip off the old block.

This, Rajasingam notes, calls for “dedication, commitment, pride in performance, work beyond the call of duty and above all, service to the nation".

It was not plain sailing for him in PKA. Being an Indian and holding executive post, he discovered to his horror, the reality of working life where racism, cronyism, corruption and political pressure from ultra-nationalists who left no stone unturned to discredit him...