Menghadap Paduka Seri Ayahanda
Duli Yang Maha Mulia Sultan Azlan Muhibbuddin Shah
Menghadap Paduka Bonda
Duli Yang Maha Mulia Tuanku Bainun
Ampun Tuanku
Sembah Anakanda mohon diampun.
Adapun Anakanda bersyukur ke hadrat ILAHI kerana dengan limpah rahmat dan izin dariNya jua, Paduka Seri Ayahanda dan Paduka Bonda dapat berangkat ke Majlis Pelancaran buku Landmarks of Perak.
Anakanda merafakkan sembah junjungan kasih yang setinggi-tingginya atas perkenan Paduka Seri Ayahanda dan Paduka Bonda mencemar duli ke Majlis ini.
Dipohonkan limpah perkenan Paduka Seri Ayahanda dan Paduka Bonda untuk membolehkan anakanda melafazkan titah ucapan di Majlis ini.
Ampun Tuanku
- Many of you present here this evening either have some ties with Perak, or have visited the State. You may have been impressed with the wide array of buildings found throughout the State. From the simple houses to the grand palaces; the temples to the mosques; the two-storey shophouses to the magnificent commercial buildings. Each has a story to tell. Together they form a rich heritage of the State.
- Over the years, I have been fascinated by the architecture and intrigued by the history that lies behind each of these landmarks. The many buildings in the towns and districts reflect the changing political and economic circumstances of Perak and of Malaysia. They also reflect the diverse origins and tastes of the population of Perak – the very diversity that has played such a key role in shaping the State.
- Some of these buildings have become dilapidated over the years, whilst others are still well maintained. But in whatever condition they are in, I felt there was a need to capture them in a book so that many, now and in the future, can appreciate them.
- The primary objective of this book, therefore, is to record the richness and diversity of Perak’s architectural fabric, so that we may learn about them, value them and prevent them from being swept away by the tide of development. More than one hundred and sixty landmarks are featured in this book, from each of the State’s nine districts, with particular attention given to the State’s historic urban centres. The four hundred specially commissioned illustrations provide a striking pictorial representation of these landmarks; and the accompanying commentaries provide an in-depth narrative of Perak’s architectural heritage and of the men and women who created it.
- It is my earnest hope that this book will enhance the reader’s appreciation of the State’s architectural legacy and the tradition that lies behind it, and by so doing, encourage efforts to preserve and conserve these landmarks.
- I commend the three artists, Kasim Abas, Chang Huai-Yan and Chin Kon Yit for their brilliant work; Chen Voon Fee for writing the most informative architectural notes; and to the Editorial team, particularly Didier Millet, Martin Cross and Timothy Auger for putting together this publication. A special thanks is due to Dato’ Seri Visu Sinnadurai who acted as the consultant editor for the entire publication.
- Many others from near and far have also assisted in the preparation of this book – John Gullick from England, Dr Barbara Watson Andaya from Hawaii, Tan Sri Ahmad Sarji, Professor Emeritus Dato’ Khoo Kay Kim and Dato’ Henry Barlow. I am grateful to them.
- I also take this opportunity to thank the many others who have assisted in organising this evening’s ceremony and the exhibition of the paintings.
- Finally, I wish all of you a pleasant evening and I do hope that at the end of the evening, both the book and the exhibition will acquaint you with the richness and beauty of Perak’s architectural heritage.
Anakanda sekali lagi merafakkan sembah junjungan kasih yang setinggi-tingginya kepada Paduka Seri Ayahanda dan Paduka Bonda.
Ampun Tuanku.