When villagers paid for a nation

Precious memories: Ku Bhadur, holding a photo of him and Tunku Abdul Rahman. He says: ‘We wanted to be free to make our own decisions.’ — ZHAFARAN NASIB/The Star

KEPALA BATAS: More than 65 years ago, when Malaya was still fighting for independence, Tunku Abdul Rahman Putra Al-Haj went to a little village in Permatang Buluh, seeking funds to pay for his delegation’s trip to London.

The villagers were in a frenzy, giving land and valuables to Tunku for the trip.