Remember Bapa Malaysia

Historic meeting: While deeply aware of the aspirations of the Malay majority, Tunku Abdul Rahman was also conscious that, as a prime minister, he led Malaysians of all ethnicities, religions and regions. Part of his diverse government is pictured in the new Malaysian Cabinet’s first meeting in Parliament on May 13, 1964: (From left) Finance minister Tun Tan Siew Sin; Defence and National & Rural Development, Land and Mines minister Tun Abdul Razak Hussein; Tunku; Home Affairs & Justice minister Tun Dr Ismail Abdul Rahman; and Works, Posts and Telecommunications minister Tun VT Sambanthan. — National Archives/The Star

FEB 8 was the 120th anniversary of the birthday of Bapa Malaysia, Tunku Abdul Rahman Putra al-Haj. Sadly, the day went unrecognised. Our nation, especially its younger generation, has forgotten our illustrious first prime minister. However, historians will probably recognise him as one of modern Asia’s political giants along with Mahatma Gandhi, Deng Xiaoping, Jawaharlal Nehru, Lee Kuan Yew, Akio Morita and Soekarno.

Tunku designed a nation with everyone in mind. He showed compassion towards all citizens. He felt that if we come together, we can change the world. He balanced the needs of a dazzlingly diverse set of constituents and used their unique talents and the nation’s ample resources to grow the economy and gain a respectful place in the region.