'TWO LIVES REMEMBERED' MEMOIR MIRRORS MALAYSIA'S STRENGTH IN DIVERSITY - SULTAN NAZRIN

KUALA LUMPUR, Dec 16 (Bernama) -- The Sultan of Perak, Sultan Nazrin Shah, today launched a joint memoir by Datuk Dr Mahmood Merican and Datin Ragayah Eusoff entitled Two Lives Remembered, A Family Memoir, praising the work as a reflection of Malaysia’s defining strengths.

Sultan Nazrin said the memoir by Dr Mahmood, a distinguished Universiti Malaya (UM) alumnus, and Ragayah, reflected a rich tapestry of voices, stories and experiences, mirroring Malaysia’s history as a nation shaped by diversity, cultural mixing and shared values.

His Royal Highness, who is also UM Chancellor, said that the book underscored the importance of such cultural mixing, which nurtured individuals capable of leading fulfilled lives and making meaningful contributions to society, often through great service in medicine and beyond.

“This book is perhaps a testament to the fruitfulness of such mixing. The family’s many achievements demonstrate the depth and richness of their philosophy. Truly, this is a clan of deeply connected individuals leading fulfilling lives, often of service, sometimes great service, in medicine and beyond,” he said in his speech at the event, in the presence of Raja Permaisuri of Perak Tuanku Zara Salim.

The launch was also attended by UM Board of Directors Chairman Tan Sri Zarinah Anwar, UM Vice-Chancellor Datuk Seri Prof Dr Noor Azuan Abu Osman, along with family members and friends of the authors.

Sultan Nazrin highlighted that another key lesson from the memoir was the value of public service, showcased by the Merican-Eusoff family through initiatives such as their foundation, which provides access to education and healthcare.

The Perak ruler said driven by their Islamic faith, the family had dedicated its efforts to supporting communities across Malaysia, from Penang and Perak to Kelantan, Melaka and beyond.

“By providing access to education and healthcare for all, their foundation will ensure that none are held back by ill health or a lack of access to education.

“And this opportunity for family members to thrive personally, in whatever direction they choose, is also an opportunity for them to give back: to contribute through public service just as their elders have done. It is, therefore, a very fitting tribute to the centrality of family for this couple, the rightly-proud patriarch and matriarch,” His Royal Highness said.

Sultan Nazrin noted that the memoir also vividly captured Malaysia’s past while portraying a flourishing present and future, highlighting the role of families in shaping the nation’s values and fostering a spirit of service.

Two Lives Remembered, A Family Memoir traces the lives and achievements of Dr Mahmood and his wife along with their children, grandchildren and extended family, offering readers insight into personal histories, professional accomplishments and contributions to the wider community.

-- BERNAMA