''...a vision of a Bangsa Malaysia..''

 

The idea of producing another pictorial book on Malaysia came about in 2005 when I noticed that there was not a single publication in the bookstores in Malaysia and in the UK, that depicted the people of the country. There were several existing publications showing the sights of the country, its many amazing places of interests and our national monuments, but none showed the diversity of Malaysians, its fascinating mix of races, its cultural heritage and its rich traditions.

From this point of departure, I began researching into this project and gathered my resources together and now, am glad to say, the project is underway. As a portrait photographer I am always on the look out for an interesting face. It is after all, a face that one sees first, as a visitor to a new country or place, it is also the first impression of a nation.

The book does not aim to document each and every race and creed. That would be quite impossible. However, it does represent a true cross-section of the nation as I see it during our travels across the length and breadth of the country. This glimpse of a 'Malaysian' identity, a vision of a Bangsa Malaysia, will be evident through the faces I portray and the stories and quotes that follow, will hopefully encompass all.

A country like Malaysia thus begins this series, because it is my Malaysia, my country and my people.

 

 

''Although barely half a century old, Malaysia has staked its claim to becoming one of the most progressive nations within South-East Asia. Rich in natural resources and growing local expertise, the nation can be proud of its achievements over the last 25 years, especially within the construction, infrastructure and manufacturing sectors.

It is however the ethnic diversity and cultural make up of Malaysians which continue to fascinate me. The origin of the peoples of today’s Malaysia is elucidated briefly in the introduction section and will prove enlightening to the viewer. Malaysia’s current ethnic diversity owes its being to over 600 years of recorded history and it must be one of the most culturally and religiously diverse countries in Asia, if not the world today. This book of portraits is only but a vignette of its society, in what I can only describe as truly unique.

As a sequel to my first book ‘Outside Looking In’ (2000) I continue to point my camera at the human landscape where I find the most satisfaction. It is after all a nations' citizens that gives branding to a country.

To be able to communicate with my subject without speaking is challenging, but often, uttering a few kind words or gestures breaks the ice and opens up a whole new camera perspective. The ‘person’ in the portrait often comes through with greater clarity and depth.''

Steven V-L Lee