ESSENTIAL WORK: Author of The Majestic History of the Malaysian Monarchy Stanley presenting the book to reporters — Pic: Salhani Ibrahim

March 17, 2011 | By Faizal Nor Izham

KUALA LUMPUR: The Yang di-Pertuan Agong Tuanku Mizan Zainal Abidin launched a new book entitled The Majestic History of the Malaysian Monarchy at the Ritz-Carlton Residences in Jalan Imbi here yesterday.

Present was Datuk Zakaria Husain, chairman of Leone Communications Sdn Bhd, which published the 409-page book authored by Sheila Stanley.

“We believe in these times, the rakyat deserves a greater understanding of the background of the Malay monarchy,” said Zakaria at a Press conference after the ceremony.

“Hopefully, the book will be considered an authentic academic reference in years to come, as it covers plenty of material for both local schools and universities to investigate our history.”

Zakaria said the first print run is 10,000 copies and there are plans for a second print run of another 10,000 copies later this year.

Priced at RM450, the book is available in Bahasa Malaysia and English.

In explaining the various firsts in the book, Zakaria said it has never-before-seen photographs culled from archives, government agencies, museum collections and Istana Negara. Additionally, Zakaria said the book also explained how and why our first King’s face appears on the Malaysian Ringgit currency notes.

Stanley, who graduated in law from the University of London, said she took eight months to complete the book.
“I believe it is crucial for Malaysians to understand the background of our monarchy and the role it plays in our society,” she told The Malay Mail.

“Unfortunately, most of us only know of the nation’s history since Merdeka in 1957.”

Stanley, who started as a journalist for New Straits Times and The Malay Mail, also wrote for international publishers while living in London and Ireland for eight years and has worked as a producer for international broadcasting networks National Geographic and Discovery Channel. She’s currently a TV producer and also writes a column for a local daily.

“I have learnt to write in a reader-friendly fashion and have applied that to my book on the Malaysian monarchy,” she said.

“All the States in our country have unique histories influenced by the various sultanates. Not many realise that Kedah is one of the oldest continuing sultanates in the world.”

Tan Sri Professor Emeritus Khoo Kay Kim, who was the historical and genealogical consultant on the book, and worked closely with Stanley to gather the information and clarify facts, said: “History is important. Our nation has so much cultural history and yet most Malaysians are not aware of it. Even people at university level are not aware of a lot of things covered in the book, as people don’t bother to research them.”

Khoo said his participation was a labour of love and not for profit.

When asked what other aspects of our history should be covered in future projects, he said the development of the country’s various cultures and anthropology of all the races would make a good book.

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