Low poses with her new book 'Muar Than You Know' during a recent launching ceremony at Mercu Maybank in Shah Alam. Photo: The Star/Art Chen
Few Malaysian towns boast a more influential and diverse array of personalities than Muar in Johor. From political leaders and successful entrepreneurs to musical virtuosos, Muar's impressive line-up of natives defies its reputation as a mere retirement haven.
In a new book Muar Than You Know, author Lilian Low, a proud Muar native, shares the success stories of 28 notable personalities from the historic Johor town.
The Singapore-based writer spent two years producing the book, dedicating her time to researching, piecing together news stories, and interviewing selected figures.
"My first book (The M Quotient: From Muar To Singapore) was launched in 2017 and told the stories of 13 individuals (from Muar) who helped shape the history of Singapore. But for this second book, I included 28 figures who can be an inspiration to everyone," says Low, 77, during the launch of the Muar Than You Know book at Mercu Maybank in Shah Alam on July 31.
"The two books I wrote pay tribute to Muar. I used Sungai Muar as a metaphor to show the integrity of the district because, in the history of the world, all civilisations began at the mouth of the river or the riverside," she adds.
Low attended Convent Muar school, where she credits the teachers with having a profound influence on her writing. Their encouragement and guidance helped shape her literary voice, fostering a deep appreciation for storytelling that would eventually lead her to capture the rich tapestry of lives from her hometown.
Low was also joined by two other Muar-born personalities - Tan Sri Johan Jaaffar (left) and Tan Sri Lim Kim Hong (centre) - during the launch of the 'Muar Than You Know' book. Photo: The Star/Art Chen
She started her career as a pre-university teacher in Johor Baru and later, migrated to Singapore in 1976, where she joined the education service.
Among the personalities written in the Muar Than You Know book are former Menteri Besar of Johor, Tan Sri Abdul Ghani Othman; former Prime Minister, Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin, Founder of I-City, Tan Sri Lim Kim Hong; the late Tun Arshad Ayub; chairman of Johor Corporation, Tan Sri Muhammad Ali Hashim and former Minister of Health, the late Datuk Dr Chua Jui Meng.
At the recent book launch event in Shah Alam, veteran journalist Tan Sri Johan Jaaffar, also from Muar, applauded Low's work in documenting these important figures.
"The book not only tells the stories of notable figures from a small town considered a pension town but also captures what I believe is the Muar spirit," says Johan.
"This will surely inspire the younger generation, showing that children from small towns can succeed in various fields," he adds.
Low was surprised by how many success stories began in the humble district of Muar.
"Since my first book, people have been sending me more Muar success stories for my next book. Though there are too many to include, I see it as a positive sign and hope readers find inspiration, believing that greatness can come from anywhere," she concludes.
