Published on: Tuesday, October 27, 2009 |
"These are pictures telling a story, a story through time, a look at how things were and how things have changed and what we can learn," he said, when commenting on the book featuring the work of Martin and Osa Johnson, Hollywood's first wildlife documentary filmmakers.
The famous couple visited Sabah in 1920 and 1935 when it was known as British North Borneo and their images helped position Sabah very early as a wildlife and eco-tourism destination.
Apart from taking photographs, they made three movies on Sabah, including the 1920's Jungle Calling, a silent-era blockbuster which was also the first to be made of Sabah, or for that matter Malaysia.
The Johnsons photos remained unnoticed in the museum carrying their name in Kansas, USA, until Daily Express found them and sought permission for their use in the book.
"Looking at our past, we learn to value and appreciate our rich diversity, our environment and culture," Jayasuriya said.
He said Berjaya Foundation, a trust created in 1984 by former Chief Minister Datuk Harris Salleh following his victory in a libel suit, had agreed to purchase 100 copies of the book which would be given to schools in Sabah, among others.
The Berjaya trust fund's initial half million ringgit swelled soon after its setting up following contribution from friends of Harris. The aim of the Trust is to promote journalism and raise standards. It works closely with the Sabah Journalists Association and has to date paid out more than half-a-million ringgit in grants and scholarships which have benefited more than 300 students and journalists.
"We support the publication and commend the efforts made in getting release of the pictures from the Museum in Kansas for publication," Jayasuriya said.
Meanwhile, Hap Seng Consolidated Sdn Bhd has snapped up RM15,000 worth of the books, also to be donated to school libraries in peninsula.
"Enabling peninsula students and researchers access to this wonderful book in their libraries will enhance their understanding and appreciation of Sabah's early history at a time when Sabah and Sarawak are gaining greater importance in the peninsula," said its Consultant-Advisor Tan Sri Richard Lind.
He noted that apart from the stunning pictures, there are chapters charting Sabah's history since becoming a colony which may not be available in current history books.
The book, which took five years of planning and research, weighs 2kg and has been given superb rating by Discovery Channel Network. It was co-authored by Daily Express Chief Editor James Sarda and Universiti Malaya Assoc Prof. Dr Danny Wong.
The response to the book following its launch last Monday in Sandakan by Chief Minister Datuk Seri Panglima Musa Aman has been overwhelming and the first batch of 500 books were snapped up. Another 2,500 copies would be given by the State Government to visiting dignitaries.
Musa played a key role in making the book a reality because he strongly felt that these priceless photographs should not be languishing in an American museum but seen by the Sabah public.
Although stocks have run low, those whose names are registered with the Daily Express are assured of theirs as a further shipment is due from the peninsula publisher, Irah Communications.
Those who wish to place orders may contact Joy or Salmah at 088-256422 or 256080. The book would not be available in bookstores.
All buyers would be eventually issued a receipt which could be included for tax deduction. The proceeds go towards charities.
