Memories of Mandela and a Malaysian's role


A file picture of Mandela (left) with Dr Mahathir during his visit to Malaysia in 1990.

IT hardly seems like three decades ago, but on the hot summer day of Feb 27, 1990, I stood on the tarmac of the Lusaka airport in Zambia to welcome African hero Nelson Mandela.

I was there as part of the Malaysian delegation led by then Prime Minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad to welcome Mandela, who was making his first trip abroad following his release from prison after serving time for 27 years.

Save 30% OFF The Star Digital Access

Monthly Plan

RM 13.90/month

RM 9.73/month

Billed as RM 9.73 for the 1st month, RM 13.90 thereafter.

Best Value

Annual Plan

RM 12.33/month

RM 8.63/month

Billed as RM 103.60 for the 1st year, RM 148 thereafter.

Follow us on our official WhatsApp channel for breaking news alerts and key updates!

Next In Nation

Landslide damages eight houses in Gombak village following heavy rain
Papa concerned over foreign worker quota applications
Samenta says no to mandatory job vacancy reporting, calls on govt to use opt-in system
PERKESO plans to exempt SMEs from mandatory job vacancy reporting, says Steven SIm
Building educators of tomorrow and beyond
Cabinet briefed on monsoon readiness as flood victims drop below 3,200
Coroner adjourns Zara Qairina inquest, warns public against commenting on proceedings
Ewon no longer in federal Cabinet following DCM III appointment, says Fahmi
School bus seized for ferrying tourists in Cameron Highlands
Blind woman crawls through jungle for two days after daughter dies in hut

Others Also Read