By LYDIA NATHAN
MPH Group Publishing Sdn Bhd held a celebratory event to commemorate the release and success of “A Driver’s Son” by Tan Sri Shamsuddin Abdul Kadir last Friday.
The event was graced by former Prime Minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad and his wife, Tun Dr Siti Hasmah Mohd Ali.
“A Driver’s Son” tells the extra-ordinary tale of how one of Malaysia’s leading companies in acquisition and development of strategic technologies, Sapura Holdings Sdn Bhd, came about.
“I set up Sapura Holdings primarily as a company to undertake work that was commissioned or contracted out by Telecoms [Telekom Malaysia Bhd],” Shamsuddin noted in the preface to the book. “What else was I equipped to do? This was my area of expertise and, for me, that was enough,” he added.
The book is an international best-seller and went into its second reprint in a month, having sold 3,000 copies to date. The total run for both prints was 4,500 copies.
Dr Mahathir, in his speech, said the book was very interesting as it documented life in Malaysia where people lived under the rule of the British, Japanese and, for some, the Siamese.
“I would recommend the book to all, especially the young. It’s a chance to be inspired by someone who was not afraid of humble beginnings,” he said.
Also speaking at the launch was former Cabinet Minister Tan Sri Rafidah Aziz who praised the book, calling it an epitome of a man who knew his strengths, aspirations, roots and his evident sense of balance of things.
She also commented on how his attitude has not wavered through the years, despite building a very successful business.
“Most people who achieve success in business develop detestable arrogance, and forget the power of the Almighty. But with Shamsuddin, everytime we spoke, it was always about back to basics. That’s what this book will teach you, an achievement is not meant to glorify yourself,” Rafidah said.
“Shamsuddin is indeed a graduate of the school of hard knocks,” she added.
“A Driver’s Son” retails at RM40 at all major bookstores nationwide.
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