YESTERDAY was the 123rd anniversary of the birth of Tunku Abdul Rahman Putra Al-Haj, Malaysia’s first prime minister and the beloved “Father of Independence”.
This is the time for all Malay-sians to remember and think about his legacy.
He was not just a politician. He was a great statesman who built this nation on the foundations of kindness and respect. And he taught us that leadership is about serving others, always.
Tunku, as he was popularly known, did not see a country divided by race or religion. Instead, he saw one big family. He led with a fatherly heart and always put the happiness of the people first. He often said that our diversity was our greatest strength, not a weakness. He wanted a Malaysia where everyone felt they belonged.
I was told of the time a young journalist had a one-on-one interview with him and asked a lot of questions, one after the other, without stopping. Finally Tunku looked at him with a calm smile and said: “Young man, why do you ask me so many questions? Please write whatever you like. I won’t deny anything.”
This story shows how magnanimous he was. He was a man of total integrity who did not fear the truth. He did not feel the need to control or hide anything. He trusted journalists to do their job. He was secure in who he was and what he stood for.
Tunku Abdul Rahman will forever be remembered as the man who led our nation peacefully to independence in 1957. At a time when the future of our land was uncertain, Tunku chose dialogue over division, moderation over extremism and unity over narrow interests. His leadership laid the foundation for a sovereign, democratic and multiracial Malaysia.
Beyond securing independence, Tunku played a vital role in nation-building.
He worked tirelessly to bring together people of different races, religions and cultures, believing that Malaysia’s strength lay in its diversity. His vision of a harmonious society, governed by the rule of law and mutual respect, remains deeply relevant today.
As we honour Tunku’s legacy, let us reflect on his values of humility, integrity, tolerance and service to the people. May his spirit continue to inspire us to safeguard our independence, strengthen national unity and work collectively for a just, peaceful and prosperous Malaysia.
Let us honour him by treating each other as the family he always believed we were. And let his spirit remain the true heart of our nation.
TAN SRI LEE LAM THYE
Chairman
Alliance for a Safe Community
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