Two Lives Remembered, A Family Memoir, a book by Datuk Dr Mahmood Merican and Datin Ragayah Eusoff, has received royal praise.
Sultan of Perak, Sultan Nazrin Muizzuddin Shah, who launched the joint memoir, praised the work as a reflection of Malaysia’s defining strengths.
Sultan Nazrin said the memoir was a rich tapestry of voices, stories and experiences, mirroring Malaysia’s history as a nation shaped by diversity, cultural mixing and shared values.
It underscored the importance of cultural mixing, which nurtured individuals capable of leading fulfilling lives and making meaningful contributions to society, His Royal Highness said.
“This book is perhaps a testament to the fruitfulness of such mixing,” Sultan Nazrin said during the launch at Universiti Malaya (UM) in Kuala Lumpur.
“The family’s many achievements demonstrate the depth and richness of their philosophy.
“Truly, this is a clan of deeply connected individuals leading fulfilling lives, often of service in medicine and beyond.”
Also gracing the ceremony was the Raja Permaisuri of Perak, Tuanku Zara Salim, as reported by Bernama.
Sultan Nazrin, who is also UM chancellor, highlighted another key lesson from the memoir – the value of public service, showcased by the Merican-Eusoff family through initiatives such as their foundation which provides access to education and healthcare.
The Perak Ruler said the family, driven by their Islamic faith, had dedicated efforts to supporting communities nationwide, from Penang and Perak to Kelantan, Melaka and beyond.
“By providing access to education and healthcare for all, their foundation will ensure that none is held back by ill health or lack of access to education.
“And this opportunity for family members to thrive personally, in whatever direction they choose, is also an opportunity for them to give back: to contribute through public service just as their elders have done.
“It is therefore a very fitting tribute to the centrality of family for this couple, the rightly proud patriarch and matriarch.”
Sultan Nazrin noted that the memoir also vividly captured Malaysia’s past while portraying a flourishing present and future, highlighting the role of families in shaping the nation’s values and fostering a spirit of service.
The memoir traces the lives and achievements of Dr Mahmood and his wife Ragayah, along with their children, grandchildren and extended family.
It offers readers insight into personal histories, professional accomplishments, and contributions to the wider community.
Dr Mahmood, also a distinguished UM alumnus, is a pioneering orthopaedic surgeon.
Also present at the event were UM board of directors chairman Tan Sri Zarinah Anwar and vice-chancellor Prof Datuk Seri Dr Noor Azuan Abu Osman.
