Sultan Nazrin: Jaffna Tamils play salient roles in Malaysian society

The Jaffna Tamil community has played important roles in every facet of Malaysian society, said the Sultan of Perak, Sultan Nazrin Shah.

Known for its rich culture and heritage, especially in foods, the ruler said the Jaffna Tamils had continued to produce influential and impactful professionals in fields from medicine, education and engineering, to politics, civil service and the law.

Sultan Nazrin said they also continued to engage with culture and heritage related to music, dance, movies, and the culinary arts.

“These contributions are an integral component of the multi-cultural nature of Malaysia that we all cherish,” he said at the launch of the book titled ‘They Came From Jaffna: A Historical Culinary Journey and Enchanting Tale of Roots, Routes and Vivid Memoires, As Told By A Pioneer’s Granddaugher’ authored by Indra R L Iswaran at Universiti Malaya today.

Sultan Nazrin even mentioned that the Jaffna Tamils have contributed in multiple and significant ways to the development of Singapore and Malaysia since their migration in the late nineteenth century.

“Traveling by rail back in the old days, one would have encountered many Ceylon (Jaffna) Tamil stationmasters. Many of the chief clerks in government offices and business agencies also came from this community.

“They could be found in the postal service, public works departments, and managing plantations. Many Ceylon Tamils also became teachers, reflecting their sound grasp of the English language,” he said.

On the book itself, Sultan Nazrin said he really appreciated it as it encapsulates both the cultural authenticity of one particular community, as well as the fusing of this specific culinary heritage with other local and international influences.

“This unique book manages to engage all the senses - from the intellectual reward of the historical details it contains; to the aesthetic pleasure gained from the beautiful illustrations and photos; to the remembered and imagined smells and tastes that are conjured up by all the detailed recipes.

“For me as a historian, this interweaving of images, voices, and tastes from the past provide a very special window into those long-ago times,” he added.

- Bernama