Malaysia Book: Q&A

I've been inviting quite a fair bit of ppl to share their thoughts/ opinions/ photos on Malaysia to be featured in the Book For Malaysia that I'm publishing. The response has been very positive so far, and I'm glad that we are able to complete a fair share already.

Some have also asked a few questions, and I thought I'll just write a post on it for all to understand better :)

Q: Who is the publisher?
A: My company, Quachee Enterprise (Malaysia) with the support from the Ministry of Tourism Malaysia.

Q: What is the title of the book?
A: To be honest, we had an initial title - Malaysia 50 Years: The Commemorative Book. However, there might be changes to the title depending on our sponsors. More likely to make it a lighter title, to fit with the overall comprehensive yet lighter style of writing.

Q: When is the release date?
A: We are looking to complete everything and ready for print by March 2008. Depending on how long the printers take (usually 4 - 8 weeks), it will be out in March or April 2008.

Q: Is this book for sale? How do we get a copy?
A: If we get it right, this book is to be available free, though it will still be sold in bookstores. We will keep you updated once the sponsors come in.

Q: Why are you looking for contributors?
A: We want to get an independent view from the public - locals & foreign. We want to see what they see about the country. This is because despite the negative reports in the press, there are many who actually still love/ like the country.

And I can adhere to that through their contributions. It's these small things that they like that we would like to feature :) Actually, I believe that every Malaysian still love Malaysia no matter what - it's like their 'first love' :)

Q: How independent are these opinions?
A: Well, firstly, these are not paid contributions. The contributions are submitted because they took the photo or wrote something themselves first. It was what they see through their own eyes.

To be honest, getting contributions from the public is a tedious work. For 1 topic, it takes us about 3-5 days of additional work - from requests to arranging etc.

It would definitely be easier if we just used our own collection, or get it from the media source. But then, that won't be seeing through the people's eyes. It will be only through our eyes - and that is not our purpose for the book.

Q: Who can submit a contribution?
A: Anyone. It's open to those living in Malaysia, those who have traveled here or even those who have heard about the country. We just want to hear what you have to say.

Q: How do I submit a contribution? And what can I submit?
A: Simply email us at themalaysiapage@gmail.com, together with some info on yourself and on the picture/ writing (eg. why you took it, what did you feel when you took it).


Well those are the general questions. However, I did receive quite an interesting question too, and would like to share my answer to it.

Q: The people are angry because of some not so right decisions and the current state of affairs. I don't see a book being all positive on the country be able to help.
A: People in every country are always dissapointed in a way or rather for certain things - rising costs, safety, etc. Now, saying that, that doesn't mean we close an eye on the negative things around us, and not fix them.

Those are already highlighted by the mainstream media. On our part, we are just hoping to make everyone recognise Malaysia - as she is.

Just look at the Americans, Japanese, Brits, Koreans and even Chinese. I'm sure their country also face some challenges, but just look at how proud are they on their own country, despite its shortcomings.

We hope to play a part here, and hence the reason for the book. Like we said, it's merely a recognition, a pat on the back to the country and the talents in Malaysia. :)


Ok, those are the questions I've received so far. Ill update if there's more.

Btw, for those who have contributed, many thanks to you - we are glad to share what you see on the country.

As for those who would like to contribute, please do so soon, as our deadline is just round the corner. :)