Readers who complained about the release of K Das' The Tunku Tapes should read the whole book and not just the seven chapters released by malaysiakini. The selected seven chapters, taken in isolation, may not do justice to the entire book.

The fact that the tapes were only released now may be purely coincidental or opportune due to the demise of Tunku and Das. Estate matters do take a long time to unravel.

It may not be the intention of all concerned in the project to undermine anybody who has survived both Tunku and Das.

To those familiar with Tunku's reflections or gripes, the tapes could be old news. But not so to a whole new generation of young Malaysians who are just discovering the intrigues of Malaysian politics. They should be allowed to make up their own minds and discuss what matters to them.

Whether we hate, love or merely tolerate Tunku, the tapes are valuable as a historical record of his thoughts.


Editor's note: The Tunku Tapes is now available at MPH and Times bookstores.