Celebrating Malaysia in transition

New book 'Born in Malaysia' celebrates individuals from all walks of life who have worked hard to build a better nation.

KUALA LUMPUR: Kenny Loh’s ‘Born in Malaysia: A Photographer’s Journey’ is not your typical illustrated guide on Malaysians.

Unlike most books which pay tribute to Malaysia’s diversity in race and culture, Loh – who came home recently after almost two decades abroad – decided to highlight Malaysia in transition by celebrating traditional crafts and businesses that once drove the local economy.

“This book is not about race or religion. This book is about all those who want a good life, and who work hard to give a good future to their families.

“This book is about these unsung heroes. Malaysians as we are, not the celebrities you see in the newspapers… this book is about us,” he said during the launch of his book here on Wednesday.

Loh said he started on the project three years ago when he returned to Malaysia.

But quickly learned that there were “lot of things I saw, which were disappearing or even gone.”

The renowned photographer expressed sadness when speaking about traditional jobs – such as rattan weaver, barber, joss stick maker and sewing machine repairman – that have since entered their twilight years.

However, he disclosed that the subjects in his book did not share the same feelings.

“The barber shop I used to visit when I was young has been closed down. And when I recently got to meet with the men who used to cut my hair, and they tell me that they are not sad because they have down their part for their children.

“They are happy now because their children are successful in their own careers,” Loh said.

Book about people

The book’s author Tan Joo Lee believes the book “comes at a right time in our history”.

“When you hear politicians and people of religion talk, you tend to ask yourself what it means to be born in Malaysia.

“People often take citizenship for granted. Only after they have gone abroad and come home, then suddenly everything becomes more prevalent. They come home and question what it means to be Malaysian,” she said.

Tan hoped that Malaysians from all walks of life would take Loh’s project to heart.

“It is not the colour of the skin or religion… being Malaysian means loving this country and loving each other.

“I really hope people, regardless of what status in life we are, take this book to heart.

“How we eat our rice doesn’t mean anything in the larger scheme of things,” she said.

The 196-page book is a compilation of photographs and stories from Loh’s three-year journey across Malaysia.

The book aims to celebrate individuals from all walks of life who have played their part in building the nation.

It also looks at those who were born after Independence, whose stories “are an important counterpoint to the stories of the Malaysian elders, as they provide the view to the future”.

‘Born in Malaysia’ retails at RM54.90 and will be available in all major bookstores next week.