SHAH ALAM - Sultan of Perak Sultan Nazrin Muizzuddin Shah, today launched a book entitled "The Malays: Pathfinders and Trailblazers” depicting the history and common heritage of Malaysians.
The book authored by Tan Sri Ramli Talib Ngah Talib who was the eighth Perak Menteri Besar was published by the Malaysian Institute of Translation & Books.
"I appreciate this commendable effort, having retired from the political world, ended his service as the eighth Perak Menteri Besar for 17 years and the period of service to date is the longest for one to fulfil the duties as Perak Menteri Besar.
"Tan Sri Ramli Ngah Talib has directed his mind and energy to produce a writing to ignite national pride and spirit,” he said in a statement, today.
He described the book as richly-detailed with a wealth of information on the common heritage of Malaysians.
The book, he said will be a reminder as to why it was important to revisit and learn from history as it would help in inhabiting the present with greater insight and awareness.
He said revisiting the past in this way was particularly important for the country, given its history of being ruled by others.
"As we know, history is written by the victors. The perspectives of other participants are sometimes lost as a result.
"In our case, understanding of our history has been indelibly shaped by the colonial period.
"It was British administrators, academics, and adventurers who took the lead in the preservation and translation of our key documents. It was they who took charge of re-telling our traditions and myths,” he said.
Such a book, he said would provide a vital link back to Malaysia’s own proud pre-colonial heritage.
He said although all books may still present a subjective viewpoint, this book was a local one and not that of an outsider who have their own interests and prejudices.
"Even when the book relates stories or events that we are already familiar with, it tells them without the distorting glare of the colonial lens,” he said.
He said the book would help in re-interpreting our history, challenging preconceptions, and bringing out elements that have been underplayed or forgotten.
It added layers of nuance and colour to the existing narratives, he added.
"As the book’s title proclaims, Malays have historically been both Pathfinders and Trailblazers. These two characteristics encapsulate some of the key elements of our heritage that we would do well to revisit and reconsider.
"They help us to understand the immense and under-valued contribution that Malays have made to world history,” he said.
The book launch was held at the World Trade Centre, Kuala Lumpur.