Saturday, November 6, 2010

the shafee yahya story - estate boy to ACA chief








The book chronicles Dato' Shafee Yahya's life from his humble beginnings as the son of a tindel in Caledonia Estate, Seberang Prai. He strived against all odds to make it through university, went on to join the civil service, first as an Assistant District Officer, Kuala Langat, then serving the second Prime Minister, Tun Abdul Razak Dato' Hussein, as his private secretary for six years. This was followed by fifteen years in the National Security Council, stints in the National Housing Department and the Public Service Department before being appointed Director-General of the Anti-Corruption Agency in June 1994. This book is set against the backdrop of his time, tracing the historical events that happened then. His last stint as DG of the ACA thrust him into the public eye, giving him much unsought attention. This book also delves into the challenges he faced at the time. Written from a personal perspective by Datin Kalsom Taib, Shafee's wife, this biography opens a window to Shafee's past, giving us an insight into understanding how an ordinary man, in the eyes of many and especially those close to him, can be so extraordinary.