In her speech explaining her book, the author made a plea to the authorities concerned to enable the Orang Asli Seletar (the sea gypsies) to continue their unique way of life although surrounded by the rapid development of Iskandar Malaysia. The Minister of Women, Family & Community Development Dato' Seri Rohani Abdul Karim officiated the book launch. She lauded JA's effort and the book which would serve as a reminder for society to ensure that indigenous peoples do not disappear altogether because of progress and economic development.
Other than the Orkes Yayasan Warisan Johor (?) and the talented blind singer Fadzli, JA also brought along the Orang Asli Seletar to perform their unique music and dances at her book launch event. I was mesmerised. (I will blog about these unique people from information gleaned from JA's book later.)
It was good to be able to meet up with Penel and her two children (KK & Sarah), also the author JA (and her very supportive husband, ex-MB of Johor, Tan Sri Abdul Ghani Othman). Penel's acquaintance with them go all the way back to their University of Queensland days.
I had attended the book launch with A, but she had to leave early for another appointment. Still, there was time enough for her to pose with Penel, KK & Sarah. We also got to meet with some KL librarians and Rohana, JA's sister whom we knew from our USM days. Book launches are a good opportunity to keep up with new books, and people from the book/publishing world.
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