Making a decision sounds simple when there is a clear right and wrong answer. But in life, work, and leadership, some of the hardest choices happen when both sides have a point.
That is the idea behind Stuck in the Middle, the latest book by Tan Sri Dato’ Dr. R. Palan, Pro Chancellor of the University of Cyberjaya (UOC).
Launched on 12th September 2026, at the university’s Grand Hall, the book looks at what it really means to find yourself “in the middle” of a difficult decision. Rather than seeing it as a sign of weakness or being unable to decide, Tan Sri Palan believes it can be the place where good judgement matters the most.
With more than 40 years of experience across education, business and leadership, he explorers situations many leaders will recognise, choosing between growth and stability, tradition, and change, loyalty and accountability, as well as innovation and discipline.
“The most difficult decisions are rarely between what is clearly right and wrong. More often we find ourselves between two legitimate positions, each with it’s own consequences. That is where judgment becomes critical. Being in the middle can be uncomfortable, but it is also where we learn to understand different perspectives and make decisions with courage and humility”.
It Started with 18 Conversations
Interestingly, Stuck in the Middle did not begin as a look. Its roots go back to Tan Sri Palan’s 18-episode podcast series, Stuck in the Middle with Palan, which aired in 2025. The series brought together people from government, business, academia healthcare, finance, education and civil society.
Although the guests came from different fields, many faced a similar problem: How to make sound decisions when competing demands must be reconciled and uncertainty is impossible. Those conversations eventually became the foundation for the book. Tan Sri Palan also brings together ideas from psychology, education, economics, philosophy and leadership, along with lessons from his own career.
While the book speaks strongly to those already in leadership positions, it is also written for educators, professionals, entrepreneurs, policymakers, students and young people preparing to become future leaders.
Lessons from Leading During COVID-19
At the launch, UOC Chancellor Tan Sri Dato’ Seri Dr. Noor Hisham Abdullah connected the book’s message to his own experience leading Malaysia’s public health response during the COVID-19 pandemic.
He recalled having to make decisions with complete evidence, while knowing that waiting for complete certainty could also have consequences. For him, leadership often meant finding a balance between urgency and caution, confidence and humility, science and compassion, and individual needs and the wider public good.
He also noted that this type of judgement will remain important as the world changes and technologies such as AI play a bigger role in how people work and make decisions.
A Book That Also Gives Back
The launch brought together a few figures from Malaysia’s business and education sectors. Tan Sri Dato’ Dr. Soh Thian Lai, President Emeritus of the Federation of Malaysian Manufacturers (FMM), officially launched the book while Tan Sri Dr.Lim Wee Chai, Founder and Executive Chairman of Top Glove Corporation Berhad, delivered a congratulatory address
Other guest included Gen (R) Tan Sri Dato’ Seri Mohd Shahrom Bin Dato Hj. Nordin, Chairman of Cyberjaya Education Group; former Tourism Minister Tan Sri Abdul Kadir Sheikh Fadzir, and former Deputy Agriculture Minister Tan Sri Dr. Marimuthu Thangaveloo.
Beyond it’s message on leadership, the book also supports education. All royalty proceeds from Stuck in the Middle will be donated to educational charities, reflecting Tan Sri Palan’s long-standing focus on making education more accessible.
The book is published by University of Malaya Press. The event also saw the launch of another book, The Digital Detox: Rediscovering Europe Beyond the Screen, co-written by Tan Sri Palan and his daughter, Shrieeya Palan. During the launch, a complimentary copy was given with every purchase of Stuck in the Middle.
At its heart, Stuck in the Middle asks readers to look at difficult decisions differently. Sometimes being caught between two sides does not mean you are lost. It may simply be the point where you have to listen, understand both sides and decide what matters most.
