Book Launch: The Legacy of the Perak Sultanate

The official unveiling of PERAK500 The Legacy of the Perak Sultanate on 11 February 2026 at CST Auto Group’s Greentown headquarters in Ipoh served as a timely reminder of why history still matters – One Monarchy. One Waterland. One Throne. One People. One Story.

emcee KT Pillai, who contributed exclusive personal narratives to the book

Written by Peter Stanislaus Asirvatham (SA Peter), with exclusive personal narratives by KT Pillai, the book commemorates the upcoming 500-year anniversary of the Perak Sultanate in 2028.

Invited guests represented different levels of the Perak state: administration, traditional leadership, academia, corporate society and community.

Emeritus Professor Datuk Dr Shad Saleem Faruqi

Among the distinguished attendees were:

YDH Toh Amar Seri Diraja Dato’ Seri Ayop bin Hashim – Secretary of the Perak Royal Council

Orang Kaya Menteri Paduka Tuan Dato’ Haji Wan Mohd Isa bin Dato’ Haji Wan Mohd Razali – (Orang Besar Jajahan Larut, Matang dan Selama) and Toh Puan

Toh Seri Bijaya Lt Kol (R) Datuk Shaharuddin Hj Nazari – Orang Besar Jajahan Manjung

Emeritus Professor Datuk Dr Shad Saleem Faruqi — constitutional scholar

Dato’ PR Chandran – Founder & Chairman of CST Auto Group and Datin Nancy

Peter Stanislaus Asirvatham – author

Puan Rohaida Abdul Kahar – publisher, Six Sense Creative

Datuk Abdul Jalil Abdul Majid – former Ipoh City Planning Director & former Penanti State Assemblyman

Datin Fauziah Ramly – former Director-General, Legal Affairs Division, Prime Minister’s Department

Nolee Ashilin Mohammed Radzi – former Perak ExCo-cum-ADUN Tualang Sekah

Also present were members of the Malaysian Historical Society, historians, teachers, corporate figures and children’s welfare homes representatives.

group photo of CST Auto Group, book VIPs and sponsorship beneficiaries

author Peter Stanislaus Asirvatham (R) presents a complimentary copy of the book to Emeritus Professor Datuk Dr Shad Saleem Faruqi

Launching a Story About Perak Monarchy

The book was officially launched by Emeritus Professor Datuk Dr Shad Saleem Faruqi. He was a fitting choice as he has spent decades explaining constitutional monarchy in Malaysia, how royal institutions coexist with democracy and law. His presence subtly reinforced that the Perak Sultanate is not just heritage; it remains part of living governance and civic structure.

presentation of a complimentary copy of the book

Writing For Those Who Didn’t Grow Up With Stories

When author SA Peter spoke, his message was straightforward: the book was written mainly for younger generations.

He spoke about how many students today grow up surrounded by information but without historical grounding, knowing events but not meaning. The book attempts to bridge that gap by explaining Perak through land, river, people and shared values rather than mere dates.

He asked questions many of us rarely consider:

Why do we sing the national anthem without reflecting on its final line?
What does loyalty to king and country truly mean?

The book suddenly felt less academic and more personal.

One of the most fascinating ideas discussed was that Perak’s authority historically followed the river, not borders. Settlements, royal sites and communities grew along with it.

That perspective changes how monarchy is understood. Not distant power but continuity through relationships.

It also explains endurance. Empires with armies disappeared. Perak endured through adaptation and acceptance.

author Peter Stanislaus Asirvatham (L) poses with a book purchaser

SA Peter’s background explains the tone of the book:
* A Royal Military College (RMC) alumnus
* outstanding 21 years with the New Straits Times
* Creator of educational learning concepts and heritage-based school initiatives

He described the book humbly as a contribution: a single brick placed towards helping younger Malaysians understand about identity beyond textbooks.

A Launch Paired With Responsibility

The event was gracefully hosted by CST Auto Group, whose Corporate Social Responsibility initiative has supported orphanages for over 26 years since Year 2000. Instead of symbolic donations, the organisation fulfils specific needs requested by homes. The beneficiaries included homes for underprivileged children and persons with disabilities.

CST Auto Group sponsorship to Persatuan Kebajikan Rumah Kurang Upaya (OKU) (L)

CST Auto Group sponsorship to Pusat Jagaan Anak-Anak Yatim dan Miskin Nurul Iman (L)

CST Auto Group sponsorship to Praise Home (L)

CST Auto Group sponsorship to Pertubuhan Kebajikan Kanak-Kanak Pelangi Perak (L)

The pairing was deliberate: recording history while caring for the present.

A Commemorative Publication, Not Just A Book

For collectors and readers alike, this commemorative edition of The Legacy of the Perak Sultanate is currently available at a special early bird price of RM89.99. Each hardcover copy comes with its own serial number as part of the limited 500-copy print marking the Sultanate’s 500-year milestone (1528–2028), making it as much a keepsake as it is a book to read.

payment information for The Legacy of the Perak Sultanate

Those interested in securing a copy may contact

KT Pillai (019-555 5585)
SA Peter (016-418 9266) or
Puan Aida, the publisher (016-414 9266) for details.

Purchasers also qualify for a commemorative lucky draw to be held later in the year on the Sultan’s official birthday, 6th November, where the grand prize is an iPad mini (worth RM2,999).