Almost exactly a
year ago when I embarked on my book project with Think City Johor Baru, I
arranged to meet with Member of Parliament for Johor Baru, Tan Sri Shahrir
Abdul Samad, to invite him to write the Foreword for my book.
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| Pengetua, Encik Mohd Hanafi Samad with his autographed copy of my book in his office at SMK Dato Jaafar, Johor Baru |
When I met with Tan Sri to talk about it, he not only graciously
accepted my invitation to write the Foreword but he also generously placed an
advance order for 500 copies of my books to distribute to the libraries of all
the secondary schools in his constituency!
His
overwhelming support simply stunned me.
Later as
a mulled over how 500 copies of my books were sold even before they were
printed or published, I felt deeply humbled.
Tan Sri
aimed to use my book, presented with his best compliments to the schools, to
encourage the reading habit among students and let the younger generation have
a better appreciation of Johor culture and heritage as well as be inspired by personalities
in Johor who have impacted other lives.
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| Signing his personal copy of my book for En Hanafi in his office |
As my
book project progressed, I was blessed with the opportunity to work with publisher,
MPH Publishing Kuala Lumpur.
With the
publication of my book in sight, I also invited Tan Sri to be Guest-of-Honour
at my book launch.
I was
pleased when he happily consented to launch my
book at a simple event that was planned at a place, situated across the road
from where I grew up in Johor Baru.
It was significant that my book launch venue was close to where
our grandfather’s house was once situated at No. 154 Jalan Ngee Heng. [Where champions were born]
Thanks to my good working relationship with DoubleTree by Hilton
Johor Baru, the hotel kindly extended the use of their premises for my book
launch event on July 15!
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| With En Hanafi and my book |
And just
before that date, the consignment of 500 copies of my book was delivered from
MPH Publishing Kuala Lumpur directly to Tan Sri’s office in Johor Baru.
I can still remember coordinating the shipment between MPH
Publishing and Tan Sri’s office and ensuring that the stock was checked and
safely received.
This was essential because Tan Sri would then instruct his
associates to distribute my books to the relevant schools within his
constituency.
Fast-forward to March this year when I was invited to be guest
speaker at a Book Talk event with student leaders of SMK Dato Jaafar Johor
Baru.
Teacher-in-Charge, Navinder Kaur d/o Dhiraj Singh, explained that the group of
30 students are student leaders from Forms Two to Six and in the Book Talk, I
should speak to the students about my book and have an interactive time with
them to help them gain more confidence to speak in English.
Since my book was launched last year, I had the privilege to
present my book to various groups including members of the oldest Rotary Club
in Johor, the Rotary Club of Johor Baru, and the expatriate ladies of the
International Women’s Association here.
I was also honoured to meet my readers in book-signing events
organized by MPH Publishing in their bookstores, first in Johor Baru and later
in Kuala Lumpur, where I presented my book with a public reading of selected
portions of my book.
Each of the previous presentations were skewered towards my target
audience and for the student leaders, my presentation would be different
because this group are from a younger generation who may not be familiar with a
lot more of the contents in my book.
Meanwhile I asked Teacher Navinder to check if their school library
have received copies of my books because by now, Tan Sri’s office should have
distributed my books to all the schools in Johor Baru.
I just needed to know if the school had my books in their library
for the students to borrow and read.
Imagine my surprise and disappointment when Teacher Navinder replied,
saying that she had checked with the librarian and they do not have my books in
their library!
On that appointed day for the Book Talk event, I arrive at the
school, feeling rather sad that they have yet to receive my book.
The light drizzle adds to my damp mood.
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| En Hanafi holding a complimentary copy of my book, presented by MP for JB, Tan Sri Shahrir Abdul Samad |
As I open my umbrella to step out of my car, I see a group of
students approaching me with an umbrella. They kindly offer to carry my bag and
provide me with umbrella shelter.
Teacher Navinder joins us and she says we should meet their Pengetua or school principal before we
proceed upstairs where the Book Talk event will be held.
In fact (she confided), he’s a big fan and is very keen to meet
me!
As we walk to his office, she points out that the Pengetua, Mohd Hanafi Samad, is right
there, talking to someone in the corridor outside his office.
We are introduced and Encik Hanafi ushers me into his office and
does not hesitate to tell me that he’s from Muar and has been a reader of my blog
for a long time.
When my book was published, he rushed to the MPH bookstore to buy
his own copy.
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| Proof that my book was presented to the school with the best compliments of MP for JB |
By this time, I have spotted a stack of five of my books on the
table and En Hanafi volunteers the explanation that these books were received
from MP for JB, Tan Sri Shahrir!
“They’re here!” I privately exclaim with much relieve!
I excuse myself from the conversation to rush a text message to
Tan Sri and assure him that copies of my book have indeed been safely received
at SMK Dato Jaafar.
All this time, the books were in the Pengetua’s office for
safe-keeping.
Since I was coming to the school, he thought I should autograph
each copy before they were sent over to the library.
I flip the first few pages of my books and I see proof that they
were presented to the school by Tan Sri with his best compliments.
When En Hanafi asks me autograph his copy of my book, I happily do
so as the students help to snap photo mementoes.
Then it’s time for us to join the student leaders for the Book Talk event.
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