RETIRED Court of Appeal judge and former lawyer Tan Sri V.C. George recently launched his tongue-in-cheek book entitled ‘Some stories I have told and some that I haven’t’ at the Royal Selangor Club yesterday, March 17, 2021.
The event, which saw friends and family in attendance, was officiated by Sultan of Perak, Sultan Nazrin Muizuddin Shah. The sultan’s wife, Tuanku Zara Salim accompanied him in his presence.
“Some of these tales will already be familiar to many of us present at this event today, and to most of the book’s audience in the wide circle of the author’s friends and associates.
“While we can all anticipate the humorous nature of these stories, some of us also know all too well what it is like to be the subject – and victim – of his expert teasing,” said Sultan Nazrin.
“Few of us can object to being made fun of so skilfully, especially as the author doesn’t spare himself. Such an ability to make fun of oneself is of course very much the mark of a good sport.
“Those who are unfamiliar with the stories, or the author’s mischievous talents, are in for a treat indeed,” he added.
The sultan’s late father, Sultan Azlan Shah, along with the late Tun Suffian (Malaysia's most distinguished judge) makes a few appearances in the book. The author credits them with having persuaded him to leave his private legal practice in the early 1980s to become a judge. This intervention showed their good judgement, as V.C. George went on to have a long and highly distinguished career on the Bench.
“I believe that at least part of the secret of his success lies in the balance that V.C. George achieves between making fun of others and the many jokes he makes at his own expense.
“It is this large dose of self-deprecating humour that allows our friend to poke so much fun at others, especially his closest friends, no matter how honorable their achievements in life, or how lofty their position,” shared the sultan further.
“This also serves to remind us that no matter how exalted one’s status in life, none of us are above being made fun of. There is a deeper lesson in this, and an important one at that, given the inherent dangers of the power that comes with achievement and status.
“No matter what, one must always retain a healthy sense of humour, and the ability to laugh at oneself and to laugh with the world,” he added.
Other high profile guests present at the official launch included Tunku Imran Tuanku Ja'afar, Tan Sri Tommy Thomas and Datuk Mohd Nor Khalid (Lat).
“Best of luck on this wonderful book. I have read it, I am on the pages and I truly enjoyed it. Many of the stories are very borderline, but I don’t think anyone is going to (seriously) sue him,” expressed Tunku Imran, congratulating the author on his work, adding those who know him would love it.
“All of the friends who are part of the joke, as one will come to read the stories, know him so well. It’s all for a good laugh – for as long as he buys them drinks,” he joked.
“I’m not going to share too much, but he [V.C. George] and I have known each other for so long. I’m simply glad to be here today,” shared Lat. His illustrations, noted to be gratuitous for the publication, can also be seen on the cover and throughout the 265-page book.
‘Some stories I have told and some that I haven’t’ will take readers on an entertaining and colourful journey that narrates the story of camaraderie, friendship and more importantly V.C. George’s illustrious career as a lawyer and judge over two decades.
It features 100 anecdotes of tales beginning from the arrival of his parents in the country from Kerala, India to his days in London (to read for the English Bar) and his appointment as the sole Judge of the High Court back in the 80s in Raub, Pahang.
The book is available at all BookXcess book stores nationwide. Online purchase can be made via bookxcessonline.com.
“My judgement; Targets (for the book) are among my closest friends so that gave me the license to pull their legs.
“Inadvertently, I may have defamed some in the process but I think the claim in damages may come from people who were left out of the book,” jested Tan Sri V.C. George during his speech.
“[In reality] Those who were left out are actually not on speaking terms with me anymore,” he added.
The retired judge and former lawyer, who is now 90-years of age, pledged that the entire proceeds from the sale of the first print will be donated towards charitable causes, one of which is the Malaysian Bar’s Legal Aid Scheme. – The Vibes, March 18, 2021
