Sultan of Perak Sultan Nazrin Shah today launched an autobiography of the country's prominent historian, Prof Emeritus Tan Sri Dr Khoo Kay Kim.

The 137-page memoir titled 'I, KKK - The Autobiography of a Historian' shares Khoo's earliest memories growing up in pre-independence Malaya, all through his journey to becoming a beloved teacher among many of Malaysia's prominent figures.

His quaint recollections paint an intimate picture of life in the tumultuous times of forging a new nationhood, laced with the sharp observations of one of the country's most celebrated academics.

In his speech, Sultan Nazrin said the autobiography was an encapsulation of the aspirations, dreams and faith of a historian contemplating the birth of a new nation.

"Through his regular and ceaseless engagement with the country's rakyat, he has come to be known as a 'walking encyclopaedia' of Malaysian history," he said.

Sultan Nazrin has also described the memoir as a 'love song' as it was a poetic reflection of the country's history composed in fragments and vignettes.

"As we reach six decades in our life as a nation, it is important to recall what has been forgotten and to embrace the voices of all those who have shaped our national narrative particularly when it is related directly by them," he said.

When met after the launch, the Perak-born Khoo, 80, said the book was dedicated to Malaysians for them to have insights about the country, particularly the youths.

"I want young people to know and be proud of Malaysia. Many foreigners praised Malaysia and it is something that many people don't know, Malaya is a rich country in the whole of the British empire before World War Two," he said.

The autobiography is available at all book stores nationwide.

-- BERNAMA