By Tengku Noor Shamsiah
KUALA LUMPUR, Aug 5 – In a heartfelt tribute to the nation’s Father of Independence, a special commemoration event titled “Remembering the Statesman Tunku Abdul Rahman Putra Al-Haj: Statesman of a Million Contributions” was held to honor the legacy of Malaysia’s first Prime Minister.
The event highlighted Tunku’s enduring influence on the country’s history and future, with his grandson, Yang Mulia Tunku Muinuddin Tunku Ahmad Nerang, sharing personal anecdotes and reflections.
Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim in his message for the occasion, delivered by Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Fadillah Yusof, underscored Tunku Abdul Rahman’s pivotal role in shaping modern
Malaysia.
The event was held at Piazza, Pavillion Bukit Jalil here today. Also present were Minister of National Unity Aaron Ago Dagang, Deputy Minister Saraswathy Kandasami, and Director–General of the National Archives Datuk Jaafar Sidek Abdul Rahman.
Recalling the legacy and the contribution of the eminent statesman to the country, Fadillah said Tunku’s vision of a united and independent Malaysia was not only realized but has become an indelible mark on the country’s trajectory.
His leadership during the negotiations for independence and the formation of Malaysia showcased his unwavering commitment to peace and unity.
The Deputy Prime Minister noted, “31 August 1957 became a historic date when the country’s independence was achieved without the bloodshed seen in many other countries fighting for freedom from colonialism.”
Tunku’s influence extended beyond Malaysia’s borders, leaving a lasting impact on regional and
international relations. He was instrumental in founding the Association of Southeast Asia, which later evolved into the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), now comprising ten countries.
His contributions to the Islamic world were equally significant. Tunku established the Malaysian
Islamic Welfare Organization (PERKIM) and was pivotal in the founding of the Organisation of
Islamic Cooperation (OIC), serving as its first Secretary-General. His initiatives, such as the International Quran reading competition known as Majlis Tilawah al-Quran, continue to inspire and unite Muslims globally.
His legacy was not confined to political achievements, as his deep compassion and wisdom for all Malaysians went into his strong advocacy of education, sports, and welfare to uplift the socio-economic status of all citizens.
“Tunku was a visionary leader. After successfully achieving independence, he sought to create a new union by proposing the formation of Malaysia.”
In his later years, Tunku focused on writing, sharing his insights and experiences through columns in The Star newspaper. His writings, under the sections ‘Looking Back’ and ‘As I See It,’ captured the essence of his thoughts and offered guidance to future generations.
To preserve his legacy, the government has established several memorials and institutions. Among them is the Tunku Abdul Rahman Putra Memorial, which commemorated its 30th anniversary this year. These institutions serve as a testament to Tunku’s lasting impact and a resource for Malaysians to understand their history and heritage.
As Malaysia continues to grow and evolve, Tunku’s vision of a harmonious, united, and prosperous country remains a guiding light.
–WE