DATUK SERI WONG CHUN WAI'S NEW BOOK 'ON THE BEAT'

fswmag.com
SULTAN OF SELANGOR LAUNCHED 'ON THE BEAT' AT HARD ROCK CAFE, CONCORDE HOTEL, KUALA LUMPUR ON 25 MAY 2011


The new book 'On the Beat' by Datuk Seri Wong Chun Wai! Get your copy now!


The Sultan of Selangor opening the giant cover of 'On the Beat' to reveal 2 actual books inside.


'On the Beat' was launched by HRH Sultan Sharafuddin Idris Shah the Sultan of Selangor in the presence of HH Raja Dr Nazrin Shah the Crown Prince of Perak and witnessed by Ho Kay Tat, CEO of Star Publications and Datin Linda Ngiam, MD of Star Publications.

Raja Dr Nazrin Shah smiled as Sultan of Selangor shook Datin Linda Ngiam's hand.

'On the Beat' was launched! Ho Kay Tat, HH Raja Dr Nazrin Shah, HRH Sultan of Selangor, Datuk Seri Wong Chun Wai and Datin Linda Ngiam.

A momentous occasion!

A big 'Thank You' to the Sultan of Selangor

A private joke but I was too far to eavesdrop!

On the Beat is jumping off the shelves at RM 38 each with nett proceeds going to KENOSIS, a group of 9 rehab centres for drug addicts.



DATUK SERI WONG CHUN WAI, EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR AND GROUP CHIEF EDITOR OF 'THE STAR', MALAYSIA'S MOST IMPORTANT AND AUTHORITATIVE NEWSPAPER, RELEASED HIS NEW BOOK 'ON THE BEAT' ON 25 MAY 2011.

'ON THE BEAT' WAS LAUNCHED BY HIS ROYAL HIGHNESS SULTAN SHARAFUDDIN IDRIS SHAH AL-HAJ AL MARHUM SULTAN SALAHUDDIN ABDUL AZIZ SHAH, SULTAN OF SELANGOR DARUL EHSAN AT HARD ROCK CAFE AT 5 PM. IT WAS HELD IN THE PRESENCE OF RAJA DR NAZRIN SHAH SULTAN ASLAN SHAH THE CROWN PRINCE OF PERAK.

BUY 'ON THE BEAT' AT RM 38 AND CONTRIBUTE TOWARDS KENOSIS, A GROUP OF 9 REHABILITATION CENTRES FOR DRUG ADDICTS RUN BY PASTOR RICHARD LEE, A FORMER DRUG ADDICT. PASTOR RICHARD LEE LIVED IN THE STREETS OF KL FOR 20 YEARS, AKIN TO THE BIBLICAL 40 YEARS OF WILDERNESS BEFORE GOD CALLED ON HIM. PASTOR RICHARD LEE TOOK 9 YEARS STUDYING AND WORKING PART TIME BEFORE HE WAS MADE A PASTOR 2 YEARS AGO.

HE SAYS, "I WAS ONCE IN DARKNESS. I CAME OUT OF IT THROUGH THE GRACE OF GOD. IF I AM GIVEN THE CHANCE TO CHOOSE AGAIN, I WON'T DO ANYTHING ELSE BESIDES THIS. TO GOD BE THE GLORY!"

'KENOSIS' IS GREEK FOR 'EMPTINESS' AS THIS WAS THE LIFE SUFFERED BY PASTOR RICHARD LEE BEFORE HE FOUND JESUS CHRIST. IN CHRISTIAN THEOLOGY, EXAMPLES INCLUDE 'JESUS MADE HIMSELF NOTHING' OR 'HE EMPTIED HIMSELF'. 'KENOSIS' IS THE CONCEPT OF SELF-EMPTYING OF ONE'S WILL TO BE ENTIRELY RECEPTIVE TO GOD AND HIS PERFECT WILL. A PERFECT NAME FOR PASTOR LEE'S CHARITY!

IF YOU WISH TO HELP KENOSIS HOME, CALL 03-7987 1820

ALL NETT PROCEEDS FROM THE SALE OF 'ON THE BEAT' WILL GO TO KENOSIS. THE BOOK IS AVAILABLE AT MPH, POPULAR AND BORDERS. FOR INFORMATION, CALL STAR PUBLICATIONS CIRCULATION DEPARTMENT AT 03-79671 777.

Other VIPs that afternoon included Mr Ho Kay Tat, Executive Director and CEO of Star Publications (M) Berhad, Datin Linda Ngiam the Group Managing Director/CEO of Star Publications, corporate figures like Dato Razman Hashim and senior editors from media organisations.

Fans of 'On the Beat' (and there are legions of them out there) are queuing to snap up the eminently interesting, informative and incisive book which contains 200 of 600 articles which had appeared weekly in The Sunday Star since 23 February 1997. Datuk Seri Wong Chun Wai's easy to digest style loaded with facts that figure are eagerly awaited each Sunday and I know some of my friends make it a point to drive out to buy the paper with their own money as their offices are closed! Just to read the latest 'On the Beat'! The more powerful even order Sunday Star to be delivered on the following Monday just to keep track on what is on Datuk Seri Wong Chun Wai's mind.

Since The Star is under the aegis of MCA, some believe his writings reflect the opinion of MCA leaders but rest assured this patriot writes from his heart and mind. The afternoon begun with the arrival of over a hundred guests who awaited the Sultan of Selangor and Crown Prince of Perak who arrived with the author.

Taking their seats and settling down. Left, Datin Linda Ngiam, Datuk Seri Wong Chun Wai, HRH Sultan Selangor, HH Crown Prince of Perak and Ho Kay Tat

Water is offered to the author prior to his speech

Datuk Seri Wong Chun Wai gave a quick look at his speech

Hard Rock Cafe was the ideal venue to launch 'On the Beat'

Ho Kay Tat, CEO of Star Publications Bhd revealed that day was also the 50th birthday of Datuk Seri Wong Chun Wai!

The Sultan of Selangor and Crown Prince of Perak turned to congratulate the birthday boy

Datuk Seri Wong Chun Wai thanking the Selangor Sultan and everyone else for attending.



Ho Kay Tat made a welcome speech and after praising the author, remarked, "The publication of 'On the Beat' is part of The Star's 40th anniversary celebrations in September and today is also, I wonder if I should mention it, the 50th birthday of Datuk Seri Wong Chun Wai!'

Ho Kay Tat started the ball rolling with a welcome speech and revealed that day was also Datuk Seri Wong Chun Wai's birthday!

Guests watching the historic event unfolding

See, everyone's so happy

Me and Datuk Lourdes Charles (right) who will be writing his book too

Sharifah Intan, deputy Executive Editor and Kee Hua Chee

If you have it, flaunt it, if not, fake it. Not sure if Sharifah Intan and Iris Tan agreed.

Datin Seri Florence Wong, Kee Hua Chee and Ng Kok Wai

Datin Seri Florence Wong, wife of Datuk Seri Wong Chun Wai with Dato Razman Hashim

Two cuties but one is cuter than the other

Being young and inexperienced, the two cuties looked the wrong direction but veterans like the author knew exactly they must look at my camera!

Dato Nancy Yeoh and Brian Martin, editor of Metro

Brian Martin and Yuswanis Yusof of Guardian Pharmacy

So sedate and regal Dato Nancy Yeoh and Datuk Seri Wong Chun Wai

Malaysia's most famous and successful deejay and emcee etc Patrick Teoh holding his 'On the Beat'.

Datuk Lourdes Charles and friend

We only have eyes for Executive Managing Editor June Wong

Ho Kay Tat almost falling on top of Dato Nancy Yeoh

but regained his composure...

Dato Nancy Yeoh paying homage to the Sultan of Selangor and Crown Prince of Perak

Why she is pointing to the water is beyond me

Datin Seri Florence Wong seemed bemused at the exchanges of hands

Dato Farah Khan and Dimitri at right

Datin Seri Florence Wong, Dimitri, Datuk Seri Wong Chun Wai and Dato Farah Khan

Good friends

Loo Phan Kooi took the opportunity to ask the Sultan of Selangor for his autograph

A big honour for Loo Phan Kooi


So it was a double whammy and double celebration! Too bad his only child Sonia was studying in England and could not witness the happy occasion.

'On the Beat' shares his views, thoughts, delight and occasionally despair at current events unfolding around him, usually locally and sometimes regionally. A dedicated journalist like me, ahem, he keeps his fingers on the pulse of Malaysia which is amply amplified by the very name of his column 'On the Beat', proof positive he is always on the beat like a good reporter. Each article is incisively written, witty and wonderfully memorable in his inimitable style that tells it as it is.

He talks candidly on wide ranging issues from race-based politics, money-based politicking, power-sharing, pluralism, police force, education and civil service to the pursuit of titles and even the touchy subject of religion. Among my favorites are 'Don't Use Religion to Further Man's Cause' on page 133, 'Don't Allow Racists to Lead Us Astray' on page 106, 'Be Realistic About Fight Against Graft' on page 203 and 'Media Rules Must Change in Info Age' on page 272.

What I like about 'On the Beat' is the fact it encompasses events that had occurred for the last 14 years so it is like a stroll down memory lane. Such books would either be arranged chronologically or in sections and Datuk Seri Wong Chun Wai prefers the latter.

Kee Hua Chee and the author of 'On the Beat' Datuk Seri Wong Chun Wai.


His book is arranged under 6 categories---Politics, Unity, Corruption, Education, Media and Other Things Besides---which pretty much takes care of everything!

Of course the birthday boy had to make his speech. There was a minor hiccup as he left his reading glasses on the table and the Sultan of Selangor picked it up to hand to him. Grinned the author, "Ho Kay Tat stole the thunder just now by mentioning my birthday and age. Yes, I must admit I am now half a century old! And need reading glasses!

"There are now over 600 columns over the past 14 years and there has never been a break except on press shutdowns during the holidays. My column encompasses politics, government policies, education, media, unity, religion and contentious issues that affect people.

"My focus is always the middle ground though moderation is tough. Some say it is a lonely path. In fact, shortly before this book went to print, I received an angry phonecall from a Penang politician who scolded me for being biased against his political party.

"The next day, I got a call from a ruling party politician accusing me of siding policies of the Opposition parties! Someone tweeted I am pro-DAP while another said I am pro-BN. If you are scolded from both sides, you are on the right path!

"We call a spade a spade and do not condone concocting stories to sell newspapers. I may sound like an old fashioned journalist but I believe in not putting people down but give them due respect. We may have differing approaches in handling and reporting issues but we have a common objective which is to make Malaysia a better place for Malaysians!

"If we take the road of moderation, this middle road will take us to our destination because we don't take sides. But if we veer off track and take the right or left path, we may never reach our target destination at all. The media is not merely the recorder of a nation's history but should be journalism of hope, not journalism of despair. We should discuss issues in a sound tone without having to put people down or ridicule them. As a media, we must inspire people, not divide the nation."

He thanked the Sultan of Selangor, Crown Prince of Perak, Ho Kay Tat and Datin Linda Ngiam before inviting them to the stage. The Sultan of Selangor then opened the cover of the giant book to reveal 2 copies which he handed to the Selangor Sultan and Raja Nazrin.

A lavish spread ensued as everyone tucked into Hard Rock Cafe's famous fajitas and soul-fulfilling food. Live entertainment featuring the hits of yesteryears was provided by the resident band. As usual, those who purchased the book asked for it to be autographed and Datuk Seri Wong Chun Wai was only too pleased to comply with the requests.

Me holding my treasured book as Datuk Seri Wong Chun Wai denoted he was now 50 and not giving a High Five!

He is now 50 but looks 35! Or even 30 under subdued lighting! I look 25 of course.

My crystals adorning my shirt made a beautiful pattern as I waited for my book to be autographed

Might as well flash some bling while waiting for the book thing!


Later came the birthday cake cutting ceremony as it is not everyday one reached the historic milestone of half a century! Datuk Seri Wong Chun Wai blew out the candles and kissed his wife Datin Seri Florence. These lovebirds married on Valentine's Day 14 February and are still so obviously in love!

Datuk Seri Wong Chun Wai and Datin Seri Florence

The cake looked and tasted divine, I know as I took some home!

The candle was lit...

After the cake cutting, the birthday boy kissed his wife but I missed the shot! Aiya!

Cutting the first 2 slices for Sultan of Selangor and Crown Prince of Perak

The Sultan of Selangor and Crown Prince of Perak enjoying the birthday cake hand delivered to their Highnesses by the birthday boy.






What a coming of age---a new book and new outlook on life as he turned 50!

Happy birthday boss and here is to another half century of living life to the fullest with Datin Seri Florence and Sonia!

THE END